Meditation has been my favorite way to daydream as of late. I sit with legs crossed, eyes closed, and I breathe until I think of nothing. Sometimes I’ll have a candle burning or Green by Hiroshi Yoshimura playing. Sometimes I sit in silence. I usually set a timer for 15 minutes. Long enough to get centered and catch a rhythm. 

Inhale, exhale.

Inhale, exhale. 

Inhale, exhale. 

Meditation has reignited my love for reading. It’s my favorite way to pass the time. I read more now than I did before the pandemic. Here are some quotes and the books I found them in that I have been meditating on lately:

“Your worst enemy cannot harm you

As much as your own thoughts, unguarded.” – The Teachings of Buddha.

“Determine that today you will overcome your self of the day before, tomorrow you will win over those of lesser skill, and later you will win over those of greater skill.” – The Book of Five Rings.

“I am absolutely convinced that no wealth in the world can help humanity forward, even in the hands of the most devoted worker in this cause. The example of great and pure individuals is the only thing that can lead us to noble thoughts and deeds. Money only appeals to selfishness and irresistibly invites abuse. Can anyone imagine Moses, Jesus, or Gandhi armed with the money-bags of Carnegie?” – Ideas And Opinions 

I was with a friend a few months ago. She read the above quote and replied:

“If Gandhi had the money, he’d probably use it to continuously starve himself. Moses, I guess, would part some more seas. And then Jesus, he would probably just burn it, and then say: All you need is me.” 

We laughed. Sometimes that’s all you can do as you breathe. 

Inhale, exhale.

Inhale, exhale. 

Inhale, exhale.

by Yoh.