Meditation Monday ~ Releasing Stinky Thoughts

It often seems that when we speak of "meditation" we are trying to find a way to escape the stress or tension of our days. And that has been true of Meditation Mondays, too.

My highest hope in presenting them has been that they will bring some ease to our day ~ or a remembering of our true nature, which is peace, joy, love, generosity, and so much more.

But in the truest sense, meditation is more about sitting quietly for a few minutes ~ noticing what is going on inside of us. Allowing the breath or a simple listening or mantra practice to illuminate what has been on our mind, preoccupying us, running us ragged.

Yesterday, I experienced "meditation" in this way. It was through a potentially disturbing event and, thankfully, I was able to allow meditation to illuminate it so I did not have to get upset or suffer needlessly.

You see, I walked into my house after being gone all day and smelled the most disgusting smell. My husband informed me right away that, apparently, an animal had crawled beneath our house and died.

(I recognized the smell. It was the same one that lingered in my old house for weeks when one of my children's hamsters got lost and died in a furnace vent. Unretrievable ugh!)

The smell was revolting. Right away I had all sorts of opinions about it and dashed about trying to minimize the stench. Light incense. Open windows. Turn on fans. All "normal" responses, I'd say.

But then I noticed that my upsetness was not so much about the smell itself, but what our guests (for our Father's Day celebration) would think about it. Within a few calm, centering breaths, I could see my reaction for what it was ~ rooted in my compulsion to have everything just right when guests come over ~ wanting to appear the perfect hostess. 

Taking a few minutes to stop, sit down, and breathe allowed clarity to break through ~ then even a little dollop of wisdom. I was grateful. I saw that old compulsion for what is was and unhooked myself. Any of us can do the same.

This is my Meditation Monday invitation to you.

Right now, stop, sit down, and breathe.


Notice your thoughts. 


Select one that is gnawing at you.


Name it, and breathe into it. Breathe through it.


Allow your breath to soften your attitude about it. Allow your breath to lighten it and illuminate it.

Notice what ease begins to come. 


Can you see that thought for what it is, simply a thought? Perhaps it is one based on an old pattern, an addiction, compulsion, or hurt. 


Can you let it go? Can you let the air out of this balloon thought and let it simply move away?

I hope you are willing to try.

Because inner peace is your birthright and your destiny.

Sometimes, a few meditative moments is all it takes to remember this ...


Now, does your heart have anything to say?


As always, I welcome your thoughts.