Hi, this is Monique Rhodes. Welcome to the In Your Right Mind podcast, where we’re learning how to be happier by working with our minds. If you’d like to know more about what I teach, visit moniquerhodes.com. You’ll find a wealth of information to help you on your journey.
Meditation as a Superpower
For me, meditation is a superpower. It wasn’t easy to learn at first, which is why I teach it with so much compassion. Our human minds are naturally restless, constantly shifting between thoughts of the past and worries about the future. Meditation offers a way to calm that restlessness, to focus our minds, and to connect with something deeper—whether that’s a sense of truth, inspiration, or simply stillness.
One of the most important aspects of meditation is learning to wake up to the present moment. The goal isn’t to escape the world but to become fully alive in it.
Meditating With Open Eyes
While many meditation practices suggest closing your eyes, I’ve meditated with my eyes open for decades. This approach feels more grounded for me, especially given my personal history. If you feel uneasy closing your eyes, that’s perfectly fine. You can meditate with your eyes gently resting on an object about 90 degrees in front of you. This helps anchor you in the present moment and connects you to the world around you.
Meditating with open eyes reinforces the idea that the purpose of meditation is to wake up, not drift away. It’s about learning to be present in the world, not escaping it.
Using Objects as Anchors
One method I recommend is using an object as an anchor to bring your focus back to the present. This object could be:
- A flower
- A crystal
- A candle
- A sacred symbol or image that resonates deeply with you
Objects that carry personal meaning or represent truth and wisdom can be especially powerful. For example:
- A Christian might focus on an image of Christ.
- A Buddhist might choose an image of the Buddha.
- A Hindu might use an image of Ganesh.
These objects do more than still the mind—they awaken it. They remind us of the qualities we aspire to cultivate within ourselves.
Objects as Mirrors
The objects we meditate on act as mirrors. They reflect back the wisdom, love, and strength we may not always recognize in ourselves but that exist within us.
- An image of Christ or the Buddha might remind you of compassion and resilience.
- A natural object like a flower or crystal might evoke harmony, purity, or stillness.
By resting your mind on these objects, you’re not worshiping them—you’re reconnecting with the qualities they represent within you. They serve as symbols of the truth and potential that already exist inside.
The Personal Connection
The power of this practice lies in choosing something that feels deeply personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a sacred symbol, a natural object, or an image of someone who inspires you, the connection you feel to the object is what matters most.
For example:
- A candle flame might symbolize clarity and focus.
- A piece of nature, like a stone or flower, might remind you of your connection to the earth.
- A sacred symbol might evoke a sense of the divine or infinite.
These objects help bridge the gap between your external focus and the deeper parts of yourself.
The Transformative Power of Meditation
When you meditate with an object, you calm the noise of your mind. In the stillness that follows, the qualities you admire in the object—peace, wisdom, strength—become clearer. These qualities aren’t separate from you; they’re part of you, waiting to be uncovered. This realization can be transformative. It shifts your focus from seeking inspiration outside yourself to recognizing it within.
Living in Alignment With Truth
The beauty of this practice is that it extends beyond meditation. When you regularly connect with something that embodies truth, it starts to shape how you move through the world.
- You might react to challenges with more patience.
- You might approach others with greater compassion.
- You might notice a stronger sense of purpose or a deeper appreciation for small, beautiful moments.
Living in alignment with truth transforms not just your meditation practice but your entire way of being.
A Final Reflection
Take a moment to reflect:
- What inspires you?
- What embodies truth for you?
- How can you bring more of that into your life—not just as something to admire, but as something to live?
When we anchor ourselves in truth, we don’t just find happiness—we create it. We carry it with us and share it with the world, one small moment at a time.
I hope this has been helpful. Don’t forget to explore the Happiness Baseline method or The 10 Minute Mind to support your meditation practice. As always, be kind, take care, and go gently in the world.
