Mindfulness Meditation on Spaciousness

This guided mindfulness meditation draws on the practice of watching thoughts from the mindfulness tradition. From that foundation we turn our attention on the spacious quality of mind in its natural, uncontrived state by observing the “space between thoughts”. The practice of meditation slows down the number of thoughts that enter the mind and increases the space between one thought and the next.

Thoughts are things, contrary to what we may believe they do not come in a steady stream nor are they “consciousness”. Thoughts are objects. We can learn to pay attention to them or ignore them as we choose. One of the freedoms that meditation enables is having control in relation to your thought-life. We become aware of the quality as well as the quantity of our thoughts. Thus, we can improve our interior landscape by cultivating constructive positive and life-affirming thoughts while discouraging negative, defeatist and judgmental thoughts.

Through our efforts to revamp our thought-life, we can improve our overall attitude. Our ability to be happy increases and our negative and critical thoughts of others diminish. With increased practice on meditation without an object we experience more spaciousness. This is more profound than it may appear at first because spaciousness is actually mind itself in its natural state. As such, mind is buoyant, free and expansive. In Buddhism there is a saying, “Mind heals and frees itself.”

The natural state of mind is to be wholesome, balanced and happy. It is only our thoughts, attachments and aversions which cause us difficulty. Our problems do not lie at the feet of others but are actually reflections of our own inner state. Change your mind and you change your outer circumstances. This is what spaciousness can teach us.

*Please note that this guided meditation includes a period of silence.

Length: 10 Minutes
Facilitator: Greg Tzinberg
Categories: Buddhist, Mindfulness, Relaxation & Stress Reduction

Like this meditation? Attend a live meditation class or listen to another guided meditation by Greg Tzinberg.