A Cleansing Meditation

Find a room with a view. Pick a seat where you can see the rain. You may choose a bench under a window or head out to an enclosed porch.

Observe the rain or sky. Look up to the skies. See the clouds go by and the heavens darken. Try to pick out a stream of rain and track its descent to earth.

Watch your thoughts. Let your attention to turn to your own mental activity. Without making any judgments or performing any analysis, just observe what is already on your mind. Notice any issues that are causing concern for you or the people you love.

Imagine healing suffering. Use the rainwater as a metaphor for an element that can purify and heal. Just like water washes dirt off your laundry or dishes, the power of positive thoughts and virtuous actions can wash away the suffering in the world.

Make a practical resolution. Extend the benefits of your meditation by resolving to improve one situation that day. You may decide to visit an elderly neighbor or pass on a helpful lead to an unemployed friend.

Invent a reminder. Once you get up from the cushion, it’s easy to get distracted by the daily load of responsibilities. Pick an image or a word that will remind you of your resolution so you’ll be sure to follow through.

The sound of rainfall or wind or birds and the cleansing properties of water and nature make these days an auspicious time to improve your meditation practice. Brighten all your days by becoming more mindful of the world around you.

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