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Space smiles at matter’s play

You’ve walked through a forest, or nature, and felt a moment of vastness.

A moment where things just feel alive, with a simple kind of lightness.

It may seem like nature is the cause of this experience of beauty, and it is, but only partially.

You’re also in awe of space. The vastness.

You might notice that this vast space in nature just holds everything in it. Without pressure, without expectations or resistance. Nature just is, freely, in space.

If you pay enough attention, it seems like space, if only a little, enjoys nature moving within it.

People, which are clearly a part of nature, also love moving through space. The beauty of dance. The joy of speed, of smooth, expertly practiced movement.

If you pay attention during these moments, space will be there. Not expecting anything of you. Not needing anything from you. Allowing you, the play of matter, to move through it, with an almost careful, parental attention.

Even at the darkest moments, space still has room. If you pay attention then, you notice that even though the story is dark, the space seems to understand something. Something you can’t see at the time.

In Japanese they call this expression, “Mono no aware”, a kind of expression rich, empathy towards the impermanence of things. The expression of this imaginary face of space feels both parental, yet deeply humane.

True, the smile of space changes with the change of the seasons.

Space has been witness to things we can’t even imagine.

Yet if you can feel the vast, heartfelt expression of space at these dark times.

This awareness of space gives you the hope to move.

And at these moments, again, space will smile at matter’s play.

And you will too. As you begin to move.

Take a course in meditation with us in neukölln, Berlin

Nothing can hurt what you fundementally are

Nothing can hurt what we fundamentally are …

The idea, the mental experience, of nothing is helpful.

When people stumble into meditation, they already understand, somewhere deep inside, the value of nothing.

But what is the value of nothing?

Most people come to nothing, after experiencing too much hurtful something.

It’s basic subconscious math. Something hurts, we try to solve it, (with wine or whisky) then that something else hurts us.

Maybe, we think to ourselves, the addition method to removing hurt doesn’t work.

Subtraction, though, feels natural.

Yet we don’t know where to subtract to. We hear something about monks or meditation, and this appeals to that feeling.

And you’re right.

There is a nothing you can experience beyond the hurt.

Everyone can experience it.

Because everyone is experience-ing.

And you’re right, the way to experience this nothing beyond hurt, is a method of subtraction.

We subtract, mentally, down to the foundation of what experience feels like.

When we think we’ve found nothing, we look further.

This will take some years of semi-regular practice.

Subtraction down to the foundation of experience.

It’s not strange, or rare. It’s what you came looking for. It requires only what you sought in the beginning. An experience of nothing.

You’ve thought a lot about something before, you know the experience of this.

If you think a lot about nothing, you’ll know the experience of that also.

Don’t make a big something about nothing. Just think about it, until you can experience it, then think of something more nothing than that.

This will take you down to your foundation.

You’ll realize the foundation of nothingness cannot be hurt.

And you’ll experience that foundation of nothing as what you fundamentally are.

…

Come join us on a 4 day meditation course in Berlin.

Meditation – Busy river, still river

Blog Post: The River of Meditation and Its Quiet Lessons

Walking along the Spree in Berlin, you witness the gentle flow of the river. Some parts are calm, while others are turbulent. Just like meditation.

Imagine a student eager to learn, experiencing various sensations during meditation, just like the varying currents of a river. One day, full of enthusiasm, the student approaches the teacher, “I had so many amazing experiences during meditation!”

The wise teacher, not missing a beat, simply raises a hand and says, “It will pass. Experiences, whether good or bad, come and go. It’s like the unpredictable weather during a run. Rain or shine, you still reap the same benefits. The weather shouldn’t dictate your commitment.”

And this is the beauty of meditation. We shouldn’t get too attached to the experiences. They are fleeting, like clouds in the sky.

To drive this point home, the teacher shares a story. There were two students learning meditation. One always spoke about the intense sensations they felt, while the other remained quiet. One day, the expressive student was absent. The quiet student, curious, asked, “What are we doing differently?”

The teacher replied, “Some people are like big rivers; vast and silent. Others are like small rivers; noisy and vibrant. Both rivers carry the same amount of water, meaning everyone gains equal benefits from meditation. But just as rivers express themselves differently, so do meditators. Some benefits are loud and evident, while others are subtle and silent.”

Remember, whether in the heart of Berlin or on a secluded mountaintop, meditation’s benefits are universal. Don’t be swayed by the noise or the silence; just flow, like the river.

Meditation & Silence in the Streets

Imagine, for a moment, a pianist in a Berlin music hall. Each note they play is purposeful, evoking emotion and thought. Yet, amidst the cacophony of sounds, there’s an underlying silence that ties every note together. This silence is essential, offering space for every melody to breathe and resonate.

Similarly, in the realm of meditation, there’s a technique that dives deep into our inner silence, tapping into the natural rhythms beneath our conscious thoughts. Just as the pianist relies on those quiet moments between notes, this meditative practice emphasizes the spaces between our thoughts, offering a harmonious blend of tranquility and insight.

It’s like finding that quiet corner in bustling Berlin where, despite the surrounding noise, there’s a pocket of stillness. It’s in this stillness that we often find clarity, much like how the pianist discovers the soul of the piece not just in the notes, but in the silences between.

So, whether you’re strolling by the River Spree or lost in the alleys of Kreuzberg, know that amidst the hustle, there’s a rhythm, a balance, waiting to be discovered. It’s a journey inward, tuning into the symphony of inner silence.

Exercise & Meditation Metaphors

Ever been perplexed about meditation? It’s a term that has been tossed around a lot lately. To make it more relatable, let’s draw a parallel with something familiar – the gym.

When you step into any gym, be it in the heart of Berlin or anywhere else, you’ll see people engaged in various activities. Some might be immersed in weightlifting, while others are training for a marathon, or perhaps practicing kickboxing. Though all these are classified under the umbrella term “exercise,” each has its own purpose and outcome.

Now, think of meditation in the same light. While it’s a singular term, the practices and outcomes can be as varied as the exercises in a gym. Monks might be engaging in deep, intense meditative practices – akin to weightlifting. Meanwhile, martial artists might be honing their mental agility with a form of Kung Fu meditation.

The key takeaway here is understanding that meditation is as vast and diverse as exercise. Just as a marathon runner may not benefit from a bodybuilder’s regime, certain meditation practices resonate more with specific individuals.

In conclusion, meditation isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what resonates with you, just as you would pick a preferred exercise in a gym.

Our goal at our Neukölln Studio, is to provide a meditation technique that’s flexible, easy and possible to do. No matter where you are, or what mental state you’re in.

Berlin overwhelm and meditation

Imagine your day-to-day life is like carrying around a little bucket. In it, you’ve got different kinds of energies: emotional energy, mental energy, meaning energy, and physical energy. Ever felt so tired even though you had a good night’s sleep? That’s probably your emotional bucket feeling heavy.

But here’s the catch: these energies can look different. You might be tired physically but feel okay emotionally. Or you might be mentally sharp, but you just can’t seem to find the motivation or ‘meaning’ to do anything.

Berlin’s rapid pace can sometimes tip these buckets, especially the emotional one. A stressful meeting, a missed U-Bahn, or just the sheer rush of the city – and boom! Overwhelm strikes.

So, when your emotional bucket feels too full, what can you do? Here are the two main options:

Empty it: Find ways to release your emotions. This could be through talking to someone, journaling, or practicing meditation. Berlin has some amazing meditation spots, parks, and quiet corners where you can sit down, take a deep breath, and let go.
Increase its size: Grow your emotional capacity. This means building resilience. Over time, with practices like meditation, you can handle more without feeling overwhelmed. And the bonus? You get better at managing all other energies too!

Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Everyone’s bucket overflows now and then. The trick is knowing how to manage it. So, the next time you’re wandering Berlin’s streets and feel that familiar weight, remember your your bucket and your meditation practice.

Meditation with Noise in Berlin

Meditating in a Busy City Like Berlin: It’s Easier Than You Think!

Have you ever tried to focus on something, but the world around you was just too noisy? Many people think meditation is all about finding a super quiet spot and shutting out the world. But guess what? You can meditate even in the middle of a loud, bustling city like Berlin!

Imagine you’re at a big party with your best friend. You might chat with other people or check out a cool game. But no matter what, you always come back to your friend, right? Meditation is a lot like that. There might be noise and distractions, but you always come back to your calm center.

Here’s a fun story. In a peaceful place far from Berlin called Rishikesh, people went for a quiet retreat. But guess what happened? A dog barked all night! On another trip, it was super cold, and everyone was shivering. There’s always something, right?

There’s a smart guy named Alan Watts who once said, “If you can’t meditate in a noisy place, you can’t meditate.” What he meant was: real meditation isn’t about having total silence. It’s about being okay with the noise and still finding your calm spot.

One day, in a big city like Berlin, a group tried to meditate. Just as they closed their eyes, a loud band started playing right outside the window! Some might think, “Shut that window!” But the teacher thought differently. He believed that if they could find peace with the window open and the noise outside, they were truly meditating.

So, here’s the cool part: You can meditate anywhere, even in a lively city like Berlin. Next time you hear a car horn, kids playing, or music from a nearby cafe, don’t get annoyed. Think of it as part of your meditation. Every sound and moment is a chance to practice being calm and happy. So, give it a try! Who knows? You might just find your inner peace in the middle of all the fun and noise.

Consistency is Key

Intellect alone maintains what is, but true change comes from consistent experience. It’s not about sudden powerful revelations, but the steady rhythm of daily actions.

Evolution isn’t a steady curve upwards but a series of steps – gradual changes leading to sudden shifts. Remember, it’s not about the big promises we make, but the small promises we keep.

The secret to invoking real transformation lies in our everyday choices.

Meditate daily, with lifetime support from a meditation teacher in Berlin!

Meditation & Liminal People


        Liminal is a term popularized by anthropologists talking about rituals in society, especially coming of age rituals
    
        A ritual when you move from childhood to adulthood
            Some cultures will have you hunt a lion
            some cultures will send you away to fast for a week
            Some will simply perform a simply coming of age ceremony
    
        There’s the old world before the ritual
        the in-between world during the ritual, based on discovery, openness, and creativity
        Then the post-liminal, a return to the world changed
        The liminal space is a place of becoming. A place between worlds. Between the old you and a new you.
            Some people live in that in-between space
                Always in a process of becoming
                    Never belonging to one set worldview
                        These are what I can liminal people
    
        This is liminal mindset is fun, interesting, magical and creative.
            But then this in-between space can make it hard for doing.
                Always thinking, always re-inventing, but not much doing
    
        Take that into your day
            Do you notice yourself in-between sub-cultures and social circles
                Are you always in the process of growing, but find it difficult to get things done?
                    There’s an answer within ancient traditions of karma yoga, the yoga of skill in action
                        And Meditation with us in Neukölln, Berlin is just the practice for it.

Why environment is so important

Eddie Vero – Daily Podcast · Why Environment Is So Important

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