The Quality of a Thought

By Annie Shackelford

I’ve been away in thoughts…some quality, some needing more attention, less perseverating. Refocusing and finding my way back to the mat is where I find I can always begin again! 

Last January I attended a 5 part talk and meditation series at Kadampa Meditation Center, entitled: Forget Willpower, Try Wisdom. I connected with the Kadam (teacher) after one session to be sure I followed a message that caught my attention … 

“The quality of our day is directly related to the quality of our thoughts”

A powerful statement that had me thinking for awhile; how does this relate to my own experience? Am I spending too much time on any one thought, unaware of my current experience? Now, a year (of unimaginable events) later, I am once again reflecting on this message. Our ability to connect with awareness to a thought is one of the best ways to ground ourselves to the present. Once grounded, we then have a choice in following a thought or letting it go. 

It’s never too late to start a 2021 mindfulness and/or meditation practice to keep yourself grounded in the swing of things! 

Artwork: My own photo, artist, Kimberly Kae https://opositivefestival.org/mural-program/

Kadampa Meditation Center: https://meditationinnewyork.org/

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