Meditation in service can also be called karma yoga. It is focusing on getting the task completed without plotting for personal gain. It is enjoying the moment fully in the midst of daily work. It is meditation in action.
The goal of meditation is full deep enjoyment of the moment. Service without attachment to reward brings a deep satisfaction similar to the joy felt in still meditation. It is a way to get all the gain of peace and joy while being very active.
While sitting in meditation and going into the stillness the peaceful body and quiet mind are not forming barriers to the natural flow of joy permeating our consciousness. This same experience of being beyond barriers can come while immersed in selfless service: We stop thinking about our body and our actions and thoughts are on the chosen service of the moment.
When I am involved helping someone learn a concept or skill, I am not thinking about my body or mind, rather I am using my body and mind for a good for another. My reward is satisfaction and inner joy, which I feel as an afterglow of warm body and joy in my mind.
The attitude of meditative service can even be applied to our regular salaried work when we do it to achieve a good result, and not just with the attitude we're getting paid. Something as simple as a change in attitude can make a mundane job an act of meditation by looking at the benefit that comes from our contribution.
Since we're all members of the larger worldwide family it is to our ultimate benefit to do our best to care about and for our family members. We reap instant rewards of feeling connected and included in the whole.
Meditation needn't be limited to only feeling joy while sitting still.
Beyond the moments of joy while just sitting in meditation comes the broader state of meditation in all moments of the day. To become the goal of meditation and be a joyful person needs an attitude of helping out, because it feels good to do so.
Meditation in service produces its reward instantly as joy in every moment of action.
Take time to give with the attitude of kindness and sharing and be taken along on the high ride of feeling joy as you go. Practice both meditation in stillness and meditation in action to live a life of full-feeling joy, a life of harmony, reflecting your spiritual nature of never-ending joy.
Article by Susan Helene Kramer
For offline reading
Meditation Lessons for Teens and AdultsMore 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 KidsSitting, 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.
