A Meditation for Nelson Mandela

"In judging our progress as individuals we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one's social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education ... but internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one's development as a human being."  Nelson Mandela.

So how did the great man manage his doubts and trepidations, how did he martial his energy, and keep the clarity of his vision?

Keith - seated meditation.

You have no doubt heard the sad news that one of the worlds most charismatic and loved leaders Nelson Mandela has sadly passed over, our thoughts go to his family and a whole country in mourning for a father figure.  Mandela faced more difficulty than most because of his chosen stand against apartheid, and campaign for democracy, no doubt his 27 year internment and subsequent role as president was not lacking in difficulty either. So how did the great man manage his doubts and trepidations, how did he martial his energy, and keep the clarity of his vision?

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Nelson Mandela on Meditation!

composite image by Keith Roost

"In judging our progress as individuals we tend to concentrate on external factors
such as one's social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of
education ... but internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one's
development as a human being: honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, purity, generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve your fellow men - qualities within the reach of every soul - are the foundation of one's spiritual life ... Regular meditation, say of about 15 minutes a day before you turn in, can be fruitful in this regard. You may find it difficult at first to pinpoint the negative factors in your life, but the tenth attempt may reap rich rewards.  Never forget that a saint is a sinner
that keeps on trying."
- Nelson Mandela, excerpt from Mandela The Authorised Biography by Anthony Sampson - Thanks to Bill Douglas at World Tai Chi Day for drawing my attention to this.

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Mandela used meditation as a tool to achieve great things, what will you do?

"You may find it difficult at first to pinpoint the negative factors in your life, but the tenth attempt may reap rich rewards."

  Meditation 
Find a comfortable position sitting or lying down. Begin with a few deep breaths, breathing deep into the belly, to help you relax and bring you to the present moment. Now close your eyes and simply be present . Notice how your body feels, as well as the activity of your mind and emotions. Experience  without resisting or trying to change anything. Continue this for  a minute or two.

Next,  expand your awareness to everything  in your surroundings. Feel the ebb and flow of the breeze, the warmth of the sun on your skin.  Notice the sounds around you — bees,  birds,  grasshoppers, the sound of  water flowing. . , For the rest of the meditation,  continue to experience these feelings and sounds. Whenever your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the experience of nature.
 
When you are ready to stop, simply rub your hands together until they are warm, then place your palms over your eyes for a few seconds, gently open your eyes and look at your palms, as you slowly move them away from you. take a few quick breaths, stamp your feet and rub or gently pat yourself on the arms and legs to ground and be fully aware again. 

Mandela used meditation as a tool 
to achieve great things, 
what will you do?

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