Take a Breath
with Dr. Bonnici

A news column Dr. Bonnici wrote for several years — answering weekly questions from readers on meditation, mindfulness, and living with wisdom.

Column © Copyrights January 1998 · Dr. Andrew Shugyo Daijo Bonnici, Ph.D.

Reader Question

"I have done things I'm not proud of. I need to know who I am and find peace and forgiveness."

— Way Seeker

Dr. Bonnici's Response

Meditation life practice is not about a field of pure potentiality. It is about practicing and embodying the truth of our life with integrity, compassion, forgiveness, and wisdom.

Meditation encourages us to recognize, acknowledge, and face the truth of the harm we have inflicted on ourselves and others. It encourages us to arouse a genuine and sincere sense of sorrow for the wrong we have done while making a deep vow to move toward wholeness, self-forgiveness, and rectification.

This Way of Meditation is not a transcendental technique. It is not about transcending or avoiding uncomfortable feelings and emotions. Meditation is being in the body of truth and rectifying our heart, mind, and spirit right Now.

The question is not about attaining a level of "pure potentiality." Rather, we should ask ourselves: do we want to live truth, wisdom, and compassion right Now or not? If the answer is yes — then begin to practice self-honesty, uprightness, and integrity right Now. Not tomorrow when you feel better. Just begin right now in the midst of your life just as it is.

Remember that the Way of Meditation Life Practice is not a matter of self-judgment. It is a matter of complete honesty with our True Nature — the Spiritual Core of the Body of Truth within ourselves. It is a matter of Faith in the fundamental goodness of our True Nature.

You have been listening and waiting for the call. This is your Calling — to become the human being you truly are, the human being that has been waiting to be. Now is the time to nourish that blooming through your sincere correct action in the present moment.

With blessings and encouragement,
Dr. Bonnici

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