practices reward and deepen through continued effort. Usually when we
start meditating or praying, we can experience what the Archbishop has
called “spiritual sweets,” or the tingling and calming that comes from
beginning to pay attention to our inner life. Like sweets, these are tasty,
but the real benefits occur as we create a temporal container into which
we can pour our heart and soul as we experience the joys and sorrows of
life.
The nature of contemplative life is that it is very personal, and not all
practices will work for all people. Find what works best for you. What is
presented here are simply sample practices, including many that the Dalai
Lama and the Archbishop use. We hope these will inspire your own
practice.
MORNING INTENTION SETTING
Every conscious action begins with intention, which is simply setting
goals. Many Tibetan monks do this each morning as a way of preparing
their mind and heart for how they wish to face the day. They also check in
with their intentions regularly, when preparing to sit in meditation or
when undertaking any important task. Another way to focus your
intentions is to read short inspirational passages that support your highest
ideals. The Archbishop celebrates the Eucharist each morning, which
involves reading (and pondering) Biblical passages. He observes the
liturgies of the hours (morning, noonday, and evening prayer), for which
there are a cycle of designated readings. He also likes to read passages
from the great mystics to guide his heart and mind.
1 . Sit comfortably, either on a chair with the soles of your feet
on the ground or cross-legged. You can also do this exercise
while still lying in bed before getting up in the morning—after
the alarm goes off and before the rush of the day has begun.
You can rest your hands on your legs or on your belly.