Today’s Meditation

When I woke up this morning, feeling groggy, I gave in to temptation and started scrolling on my phone. It helps my mind to wake up I told myself. I read a newspaper article about a mass killing in America. I took a side just as the newspaper wanted me to. The newspaper peppered the article with so many details highlighting the political leaning of the killer that they might as well have led me by the hand. My cortisol levels rose. I read the comment section. I agreed with some commentors, yes sister! I argued with others. My cortisol levels rose some more. I put my phone away and attempted to meditate, but I could hardly meditate at all.

It made me realise just how distracted I can be by all the debate with which we are bombarded; left vs right, Israel vs Palestine, black vs white. Meditation is my spiritual home. Silence, peace, tranquillity, contemplation give me joy. Just 10 minutes reading that article robbed me of that joy this morning.

Once I am distracted I’m really only good for more distraction. It’s like drinking alcohol, and expecting to be able to meditate afterwards, or operate heavy machinery. I may as well have another drink.