Crossroads

The Crossroads is a place of transition, of change. If you view your life as a journey, a path, the crossroads is literally just that, a place where you path crosses another, or many others. Where are you at on your journey right now? In a ravine? Climbing a mountain? Canoeing down a river? Traveling amidst throngs of people down a dusty traders path? Take a moment to imagine where you are at… Are you at a crossroads?

Some crossroads are easier than others.


Are you changing trains at Union Square during rush hour, or simply turning left on a quiet block in the evening? Sometimes there are so many different choices and paths and people wandering through the crossroads that we can lose our way. Other times the path, the change before us is clear, and open, with friendly beings helping us along the way. At the changeover of this year I am finding myself on a lonely mountain path. In letting 2011 go, and meeting 2012 with an open heart and mind, I find myself nursing injuries and longing for a respite at the crossroads. I know times have been tough for many, and we all feel each other’s pain. We all need healing now. It is only in meditation that I find the perfect mixture of both healing and awareness, restfulness and awakeness, turning in and yet opening out. At this crossroads, meditation brings us the peace to keep on moving.

If you have never tried meditating before, or simply need a little encouragement, here is my advice: Stretch, twist, turn, shake it out. Then sit comfortably (or lie if necessary). Tune into your breath, enjoy your breath. Tune into your heartbeat, enjoy your heartbeat. Let your thoughts trickle out. Instead of thinking and being constantly carried by the story-lines we tell ourselves in our heads, tune into the way the present moment feels both inside of you and all around you. Tune into reality. Let the waves of your breath wash away 2011, and let the vibrations of the present moment energize you for 2012. Stay this way as long as you can, tuning in and tuning in and tuning in. 20 minutes is a good time to shoot for. When you are done, come back gently by deepening your breath, wiggling your fingers and toes, wiggling your body, stretching, Om-ing or sighing, and maybe bowing to your heart. Trust any realizations that you have had. Then… keep on moving.