Stone: May 19 - 25

I have an affinity for rocks. It started when I was a child, growing up on the shores of Lake Ontario. My favorite pastime was skipping stones. I'm still drawn to flat round stones, especially ones that fit just right in my hand. You'll need a stone* for today's practice. So first you may need to visit your backyard, take a walk in nature, or borrow one from your favorite geologist friend. You can continue with today's meditation once you have a stone in hand.

*A shell, a pinecone, a feather, a flower, or pretty much any natural object can serve in the place of a stone.

Practice 

Find a stone and consider it your meditation partner. Generally, I use the breath as the object of my meditation, tapping into the physical sensations of the body, and acting as an anchor to the present moment. A stone can serve this purpose equally well. Hold the stone in the palm of your hand. Take a moment to experience its weight, its texture, its temperature. Like you, it is part of the created world. Close your eyes. Let the stone become the object of your meditation. Let it hold your attention, your curiosity, your awareness. Connect with the stone—here and now.

Maybe open your eyes if you like. Observe the stone's shape, its color, its surface. No need to identify it, categorize it, or name it. Simply allow it to be. Contemplate its history, its nature, its composition, but don't overanalyze it. At some point, allow your thoughts, reflections, and wonderings to dissolve. Simply let the stone be as it is. Let the stone teach you about stillness and existence. Be open to its lessons. Let it hold your concerns, your dreams, your emotions. Sit or walk with your stone. If you live near a lake, you could skip the stone. Maybe give it a home in a garden, a shelf, or a pocket. Allow the formal meditation to end but carry the stone or rest it on your desk as a reminder to be present throughout the day. Practice daily until you discover your innate stone qualities: stability and stillness.

I hope learning to meditate with a rock serves as a stepping stone to being mindful with other natural objects (like people).