The problem with meditation is attachment. We get in



the habit of needing our altar, favorite cushion,

incense, CD, certain time of day, necessary length of

time, or particular style of sitting. If we can’t do

it the “right" way, we tend to skip it altogether. We

get so attached to the trappings that we get a little

testy if we don’t have everything just so.

This is funny when you think about it. In Buddhism,

the core belief is that life is full of suffering, and

this suffering is due to attachment. Isn’t it ironic

that we become so attached to the idea of meditation?

Isn’t it a bit absurd to think of followers of

particular styles of meditation as obsessive about

their own approach?

I find it hilarious.

I also find it destructive.

I’m all for whatever works. If committing to a ritual

is right for you, by all means, light that candle. If

you must do some yoga exercises prior to sitting, go

for it. If you need to go for a run before chanting,

be my guest.

However, if you find that your concept of what you need

in order to meditate is hindering instead of liberating

you, it’s time to take a look at what I refer to as

“wireless" meditation.

The beautiful thing about going wireless—-whether it’s

with phones, computers, or your own quest for

mindfulness—-is that you suddenly become unencumbered

by extraneous connections. You can continue with your

day. You can go anywhere. You are free.

Just as a wireless phone allows you to think of your

workplace in a whole new way, mindfulness practice

gives you the opportunity to bring attention to

whatever you’re doing. Your connection to your mind

and your heart is hooked up while you’re taking a

shower, washing the dishes, walking the dog, or tending

your garden. You no longer see mindfulness as

something you can do only if you’re sitting in your

family room before the kids get up.

For those who’ve given up on meditation, consider the

freedom of mindfulness practice. Here are five

questions to ask yourself in order to stay connected

anywhere, anytime:

* “What can I notice this minute?" Look around. What

do you see? What colors pop? What kind of light fills

your space? What do you smell? What do you hear? How

does your body feel right now?

* “Where can I focus my attention this minute?"

Choose something within you—-a physical sensation, a

thought, an emotion. Or, go outside your skin and

shine all of your attention upon something around you.

Spend one minute in full discovery mode.

* “What can I do to connect with this person?" If

you’re a parent and you’re feeling a little burned out

by your child’s demands, stop thinking about how to

fulfill a request and focus on how to fulfill a need.

Can you give loving attention without giving a thing?

Can you focus your full attention on your partner in

the way most likely to make them feel cherished?

* “How can I bring more mindfulness to this task?"

Whether you’re filing, copying documents, folding

laundry, or scrubbing the bathtub, you can focus

intently and intensely upon your particular task. Take

note of the textures. Pay attention to edges, creases,

folds, warmth, texture, and color. Focus on the

muscles you’re using in each step of the process. Feel

the bending, flexing, and stretching your body must do

to perform each movement.

* “How can I find more meaning in this moment?" In

every moment, we have the opportunity to connect to

what matters most. We can choose to find a reason to

feel grateful, content, secure, uplifted, and cared

for. By paying attention, we can find value in the

simplest tasks and the greatest challenges.

Going wireless means you can choose to connect whenever

you like. Find ways to tap into mindfulness without

becoming attached to meditation.

Use your wherever-whenever minutes—-and get more.