The Lake of the Mind

They say that meditation should help your mind become like a quiet, clear lake. But the thing is, have you ever seen a lake? Though it doesn't have the crashing waves of the ocean or the flowing water of a river, it has movement all on its own.

This morning I went to the lake in my neighborhood and noticed how their were rings of ripples from places that the fish had kissed the surface or when a duck had previously glided past. You can barely see in the picture here that a turtle is just under the surface.

Then it made me think, maybe I've understood the metaphor all wrong. Meditation isn't about calming the mind but getting ever more keen on what's happening underneath the superficial thoughts and self-talk.

I know for myself, the more I quiet the chatter, the more I hear what I'm actually saying. The more I can listen to the voices that are talking. Are these my voices? My beliefs? Do I want to welcome their input and criticism? Where is the volume button? Is there an option to mute, even if just temporarily? Is there truth is what's being shared within myself? What is my truth?

Today, let yourself explore all the ripples in the your mind. Find out what's true. Discard what isn't.