Hello,
My name is Alonzo Davis,
Also known as the Life Lama,
And I'd like to welcome you to this Insight Timer Meditation entitled,
From Joy to Peace,
A Meditation on Ending Suffering.
We often say we want happiness,
But happiness is a feeling,
And like all feelings it comes and it goes.
What we may actually be seeking is freedom from suffering.
This meditation will guide you through the realization that beyond the euphoric high of joy is a calm,
A still place,
One that doesn't depend on things going right,
One that exists when craving ends.
So let's begin by finding a comfortable seat.
Set with your back upright,
But not rigid.
Relax your entire body.
Bring your hands to your lap,
Or bring both hands to your heart area.
Now gently tuck your chin,
And close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in,
Deep breath in,
And let it go.
One more time,
Deep breath in,
And let it go.
Imagine you're walking through a desert.
The sun is hot,
And you're thirsty.
You spot an oasis.
Feel that first flash of joy.
Now imagine drinking the water.
Notice how that joy transforms into deep contentment.
It doesn't shout.
It doesn't leap.
It just is.
Take a moment to breathe into that stillness.
Now recall a time in your life when you had a problem,
And remember the moment when that problem dissolved.
Notice the space it left behind.
Not excitement,
But relief.
This is the feeling of suffering ending.
It's not happiness.
It's just peace.
Take a moment to set with that feeling.
Please know,
There is no need to chase joy.
You only need to stop resisting what is.
Now take a final moment to set with non-resistance,
To set with awareness,
To accept what is.
Take one final deep breath in.
Breathe in.
Gently open your eyes.
Just know that this feeling of calm that you now have,
You can take it with you wherever you go.
Just stop.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Be in acceptance.
Be aware.
And just set with what is.
Thank you so much for taking the time to listen,
And thank you for taking the time to meditate with me.
