Master and mind, which leads? Let's begin with a verse and then move on to a contemplative meditation:

We are masters of our mind.
Our mind is a tool
To plan, to work out problems.
As master we decide, determine
Our course of action
Reaction to action.
Standing back from mind
The broader picture appears
The full scope, the full scoop.
With depth of insight
Perspective in view
The best choices are visible.

Meditation: Begin by sitting erect in your favorite quiet place, either on the floor on a cushion, legs crossed in, or on a straight back chair with soles of feet planted on the floor. Fold your hands in your lap or place them face up or face down on your thighs.

Close your eyes and begin even, rhythmic breathing, such as one count to breathe in; one count to breathe out; one count to breathe in, and continue this pattern throughout the meditation without actually saying or thinking the numbers.

For contemplation: You are sitting in meditation and your mind is doing the thinking. You observe your mind as it jumps from one thought to another, but all the while you sit still and do not act on the thoughts.

You make the decision on what thought to dwell on, act on. You use your mind to plan projects, and you use your mind as a tool to get problems solved. You can always change your mind as better options appear in the process, because you are master of your mind.

An example: You may be feeling hungry and your self-talk may want you to go raid the cupboard. But it is really up to you as master controller to act on those impulses or not, depending on if they are beneficial at the moment.

Finish your meditation with appreciation for coming to understand how you can use your mind wisely and reign it in as master.

Take a deep breath in and slowly release it. Open your eyes and stretch out. Take a few minutes to write any new insights in your journal. Go on with your day with an enlightened view.

For offline reading

Meditation Lessons for 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.

Article and photo credit by Susan Helene Kramer. Portrait of a Woman, 1524, by Barthel Bruyn the Old, Kroeller-Mueller Museum, The Netherlands.