Where Ever You Go There Your Are

Where Ever You Go There Your Are
By Jon Kabat-Zinn

This book has been in my library for a few years. As I was reading it and telling TJ about it he said, “yeah Dad you gave me that to read about eight years ago.” That would have made him twelve at the time. This is a great introductory book for those contemplating meditation and those who are already practiced at it. The author makes it clear that meditation does not have to be a yoga/guru art form to reap its fruit. He even makes room for active meditation in your busy life. He prescribes one ingredient and that is to focus. Begin with focusing on your breath and only that.

As the book concludes the introductory part in the mental preparation for meditation the author draws up a nice metaphor that works for me being an advocate of Emerson’s school of thought. As you begin to meditate you may have many thoughts in your head. Let them be. As you become aware of your thoughts, you become aware of what they are doing for you and how they may be working against you. This awareness is like a kettle of soup. Its not any one thought that defines you its all the ingredients simmering at one time. As you become aware of this and let each thought go, the truth of your being relaxes you. The experience is a sort of grad school for Emersonians.

The rest of the book goes into the body alignment and experience of yoga. If when taking this section light heartedly as I did, the lure is seductive. It is akin to getting into a warm lake and discovering not only is the water warm, but once fully immersed and opening your eyes you become aware of its affect on your body. It’s a great way to remove yourself from the here and now but really tune in to what here and now is doing to your body……stress relief is the outcome.

In tying this all together the author is targeting the average western bear. ME! I enjoyed the book because I felt no pressure to run to my nearest guru for yoga instruction. And at the same time I am reminded of the fruits of taking a moment each day to consciously become aware. Active meditation becomes a reality in this book where you become more thoughtful in your conversation and interaction with others. I remember when traveling to Japan, I was taught to count to five before I responded to a question. I was taught that this was out of respect towards the Japanese when really it is with respect to myself.