Santi (Meditation. Mindfulness.
Awareness. Soulfulness):
When we take the time to cut through the literal and figurative noise of life, we awaken to the fact that we all have our own personal ocean, a quiet place of peace and tranquility deep below the tumultuous surf. A vast, limitless ocean of love, compassion, and acceptance, this is who we are, our true essence, our Buddha nature. Developing a meditation practice helps us to tap into that place with more grace and ease no matter where we are or what is going on around us, helping us to reduce stress thus reducing cortisol in the body, leading to better immunity. Meditation helps us develop more space between stimulus and response, so that we may respond more skillfully rather than react impulsively, thus improving our relationship with the world. The baseline of peace that is cultivated through a regular meditation practice fosters deeper and more stable relationships without the dramatic highs and lows. We begin to connect from our soul rather than our ahamkara or ego identity. Through a consistent meditation practice we develop santosha or gratitude which is the gateway to joy. Anxiety, fear, and tension cannot exist in the mind and body when we are in a state of gratitude.