Survival needs are those sustaining our physical body, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Desires arise in our mind for ego gratification, dressing primarily in forms of lust and greed.

The premise being that we need to get something from outside of ourselves
in order to satisfy our longing for unbroken happiness. But, relying on sources outside of ourselves for gratification is unreliable. The physical and mental worlds are ever-changing.

Meditation for Reflection

Find a quiet spot to sit and think about these ideas. Begin your contemplation by first establishing a pattern of even and regular breathing. This quiets the body and mind which are tied to each other by breath.

Try breathing in 2 counts; breathing out 2 counts; breathing in 2 counts and continuing the pattern without actually saying or thinking the numbers, while reflecting on the following thoughts:

Giving up on finding the source of happiness through worldly pursuits, we eventually analyze and try another avenue - exploration into the depths
of our underlying supporting structure.

Happiness is present right now, experienced by relaxing body and mind and harmoniously interacting with people and surroundings - allowing us to remain relaxed and peaceful. We then retain our happiness even when people and things go from our life.

When we experience emotional, mental and physical upset we can allow these experiences to take their course, while remembering that they will pass and once again we will be able to return to and experience our state of balance and harmony.

The jewel to treasure is remembrance that happiness is always carried along with us, uncovered and coming to our awareness by relaxing body and mind - by harmoniously interacting with others and our environment.

By maintaining bodily ease and interacting harmoniously we can satisfy our mind, experiencing happiness.

Finish your meditation by taking a deep breath in and out. Then take a few minutes to write in your journal any new insights that come to mind from your contemplation.

Journal writing is a valuable practice because it gives you a way to follow your spiritual development by periodically reviewing your progress in understanding how inner knowledge helps everyday living.

Article by Susan Kramer; photo credit Stan Schaap

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.