Sky Like Mind

There is the part of us that is thinking and then there is the watcher. We watch our thoughts like clouds in the sky that take shape, move then dissipate. Like the sky undisturbed by the clouds, we can identify with the spaciousness of the mind.

Transcript

Take a comfortable seat in a place that's quiet and free from distractions. Close your eyes and sit up a little taller. Put your chin neutral, The crown of your head toward the sky. At the same time release your shoulders, Soften your belly and relax into your thighs. Breathe slowly, Patiently and evenly, In and out through your nose. Let the length of each exhale breath be at least as long as the length of the inhale. Settle in on a breath that's quiet, Comfortable and easy. As you sit here, Watching and noticing breath, Notice also how the mind is always at play. Thoughts come and go, Perhaps emotions. As thoughts arise, If we can let them be, They'll also dissipate or fade away. Another thought may take its place, Or better yet there's just a space. Recognize that space between the thoughts, The moments when it's just you sitting here, Watching the breath. There's nothing to do right now, Other than pay attention to breath. As you sit here, Present with breath, There's still movement in the mind. This time when you recognize a thought or the process of thinking, Watch that thought as if you're watching from a distance. Notice how there's the part of you that's thinking, But also there's the part of you that's watching, Witnessing, Noticing the thought. There's a separation between your thoughts and you, The thinker. And further back behind all that, There's the you that's awareness itself. The awareness and the movement of your mind, The appearance of your mind, Like clouds in the sky, Moving, Changing, Coming and going. They take shape, That last a while, Then they dissipate, Like a cloud dissolving into thin air. Some are light and wispy, Others heavy, Creating storms, Causing rain. But each of these clouds, Every thought, Every emotion, All this activity of the mind, Just a dance of energy across the sky. The sky, The foundation, Is there a greater awareness from which these clouds arise and play. The sky sometimes obscured by the clouds, But always present, Always there underneath, Spacious, Clear, Infinite and free. Free in that the sky is never disturbed by the clouds. Through all of the storms, All of the weather, It is there, Present, Stable and fair. As you notice activity, Weather, Thoughts or emotions, The clouds, Turn further inward, Home toward the sky, Identify with the spaciousness, The foundational ground in which the clouds get to play. What's the true nature of the sky? Identify with this sky-like sensation, This clear luminosity, White or blue. Identify with the spaciousness, Infinite space. Identify with the ease, The peacefulness, The joy, The inherent nature of the sky. As you turn inward to sky and the sky-like mind, Remember this is who you are. You are not the clouds, Not the weather, Not the storms or the rain. You are the witness, The watcher, The container for it all. You are spacious and no matter what, At peace, At ease, Vast and free. Keep turning inward, Past the weather to this sky-like ground. Curious about the nature of the sky, The nature of your mind and who it is that you really are.

Reviews

Really enjoyed the sky analogy. It calmed me instantly