Navel Meditation

Journeys of lifelong evolution often begin simply. No matter how complex the goal nurtured in our souls, the first steps we take are always basic and uncomplicated.

Navel meditation, a creation of the Taoist tradition and the oldest form of meditation recognized in China and India, is a simple practice suitable for those experienced in the art of mediation, yet it’s also a wonderful introductory meditation for novices. It utilizes the natural rhythms of the breath and the regular movement of the abdomen as a means to focus awareness and rid oneself of extraneous thoughts. As you concentrate on the breath, the chaos within reveals itself, allowing you to gently train your mind to accept stillness as its natural state.
To begin, assume a comfortable and natural seated position—either cross-legged on a cushion on the floor or on a chair with your legs facing forward. Maintaining an upright, balanced posture ensures you are physically centered to prevent fatigue. Close your eyes and relax your body gradually, starting at the toes and ending at the crown of the head. When you’re relaxed, breathe through the nose at your natural pace. With each inhalation, draw air deep into the abdomen, allowing the area surrounding your navel to rise and fall.
Gradually focus your attention on the sensations caused by the inhalation and exhalation of breath. Feel the air flowing in and out of the nostrils as well as the expansion and contraction of the abdomen. If it’s difficult concentrating on both, concentrate only on the navel area. As you endeavor to commune with the breath, you’ll notice that your mind strays. Don’t attach any significance to it, simply bring your attention back to the flow of air into and out of your body. Eventually, the torrent of mental noise will slow to a trickle, and you’ll learn to control the current of your thoughts until you’re no longer at the mercy of your reactions.   The more you practice, daily if possible, the more you’ll be able to recall this relaxed state at any time.

*Interesting book presentation by chronist Juan Jose Landa Avila  at the Museum of the City of Cuernavaca. Ricardo Zuñiga Vaquez, Carlos Barreto Zamudio and Agur Arredondo Torres completed Juan Jose’s round table about “Archivo del Zapatismo” with pertinent commentaries. All in all, an historically, orientated, informative spring evening among good friends and inquisitive minds. Refreshing.

*“Retorno de EROS” a new book of poems by Laura Fernandez MacGregor Maza in the Soumaya Museum in Mexico City. Good audience, splendid poetry reading and as usual, extremely well organized and elegant. I am always so amazed that this calm, very serene, seemingly detached personality, whips up bonfires of emotion that warms and tickles us all.

*Borda Gardens has a splendid collective exhibition. Contributing to its success talents such as Grace Nehmad, Lourdes Alvarez Valenzuela, Maria Elena Hernandez Arestegui, Mary Carmen Castrejon, Paola Esquivel Silva, Patricia Murillo, Selena Serron Delgado and Yolanda Vela.  Their work covers Salas Velasco, Tamayo and Juarez.

*A reading cycle addressing “Nueve Anuales” started on the 20th. and will be repeated on Friday, April 27 at 18:00 hrs in Borda Gardens. Entrance is free. My neighbors enjoyed the first session very much and dropped by to share the experience. Many thanks.

*Today in CMAEM Edgar Sagarra Portuando is giving a Masters Class on AFROCUBAN DANCE at 9. I’m assuming it’s a.m. but check that. Entrance is free but space is limited space so check that, too.  3292300 extension 64 882.

Until Tomorrow: In nature there are no rewards or punishments-there are only consequences.
(Ingersoll)

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