I Love Flying and What That Has to Do with Mindfulness?

In May 2014, I began my mindfulness journey, a path that turned out to be filled with ups and downs, much like the altitude changes in flight 🛩

This on-and-off affair, marked by over 1,000 sessions and nearly 14,000 minutes of meditation, led me to today's milestone: 100 consecutive days of seated practice! I've decided to mark the occasion by completing today's practice in one of my favourite spots, by the lake I usually swim in.

Reflecting on this milestone, I realise it's not just about the numbers; it's about the profound sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with each seated session.

Seated practice, while challenging, is not the sole path to mindfulness. When asked about my mindfulness practice, I often encourage exploration in its various forms - whether it be mindful walking, orienting oneself in space, engaging in mindful chores, reading attentively, or even beginning the day with ten deep breaths. The essence is to start small, find what suits you, and gradually build up to seated practice if you feel inclined. A pivotal moment in my journey was finding comfort in the simple yet transformative power of Zafu Cushion, highlighting the importance of physical comfort in facilitating mental exploration (who can sit in discomfort and attempt to meditate at the same time!?).

Starting a mindfulness journey requires nothing more than showing up each morning with the intention of turning inward. So what's that got to do with flying, I hear you ask? Well, my love for meditation draws an unexpected parallel to flying: just as the skies above the clouds are perpetually sunny, our minds, too, possess an innate capacity for peace, compassion, and focus. It's not about acquiring new skills but rediscovering and acknowledging what is already within us.

Mindfulness, for me, transcends cultural boundaries and religious traditions; it is a universally human practice of fostering awareness and compassion. By sitting quietly with our thoughts, free from distractions, we realise our inherent ability to cultivate a serene and focused mind.

So, why not start your day by reconnecting with yourself and extending that connection to those around you? Take a moment each morning to ask yourself the most crucial question: "How am I today?" Just like in flying, where every flight is a journey to new heights, each session of mindfulness is an expedition into the depths of our inner selves, revealing that it is always sunny up there in the vast sky of our minds, we just need to reach our VFR over-the-top zone.

Happy flying everyone 🛫 ☀
Dag