Driving Yourself Sane with Meditation

The concept of ‘Wisdom of the ordinary’ is how ancient Zen Masters used to define sanity. Simply put, sanity is living in the present moment, just as it is, without getting entangled in thoughts, judgments, or stories about what is happening.

True sanity lies in experiencing the inherent sanity of mindful awareness, rather than conforming to a specific idea of reality. Believing in concepts or doctrines for sanity causes stress and can lead to feelings of insanity if one does not adhere to the accepted version of reality.

Throughout history, wars have been waged over differing religious beliefs, leading to persecution of those who do not conform. The pressure to conform and ‘fit in’ with societal norms has been immense, but in modern times, many individuals do not resonate with traditional beliefs.

While scientific ‘facts’ are often considered the ultimate truth in today’s world, these facts are subject to change and scientific consensus is not always unanimous. Relying solely on scientific beliefs for sanity can be as limiting as conforming to societal norms. Jiddu Krishnamurti emphasizes the importance of observing without judgment, stating that it is the highest form of intelligence.

Having an open mind, free from rigid beliefs, is key to maintaining sanity. Our perceptions are shaped by our beliefs and interpretations of reality, creating individual ‘reality tunnels.’ While sanity does not eliminate these diverse perspectives, it provides a broader understanding of personal perceptions.

Certainty can lead to arrogance and close-mindedness, hindering intelligence and curiosity. Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki highlights the value of a beginner’s mind over an expert mind. Trusting our senses may seem like a path to sanity, but our senses are limited and influenced by our preconceptions of reality.

The French philosopher Henri Bergson notes that our minds shape what we perceive, indicating a limitation in relying solely on sensory input. In the quest for sanity, meditation offers a refuge in the silence of the present moment.

Sanity is depicted as the stillness and clarity inherent in present awareness, often referred to as lucidity or wakefulness in meditation traditions. Meditation master Chogyam Trungpa speaks of ‘basic goodness’ as the core essence of every individual.

Eckhart Tolle suggests that touching the stillness of the present moment frees one from centuries of conditioning, while Deepak Chopra advocates for mindful awareness to break free from past habits. The conventional Western notion of sanity leans more towards conformity than true sanity, as deviation from societal norms is often deemed as insanity.

Psychologists and counselors may focus on helping individuals adapt to societal standards, but true sanity transcends mere conformity. Meditation aids in cultivating sanity through detachment and a wise perspective that sees through illusions created by conditioned beliefs and sensory perceptions.

Being sane involves gaining a broader perspective on our actions, requiring psychological distance and perspective. Osho emphasizes the role of witnessing one’s thoughts to eliminate past conditioning. Through a ‘bird’s eye view,’ individuals can observe situations without judgment, leading to a deeper understanding and learning from experiences.

Basic sanity is ever-present, awaiting recognition and practice in every moment. By immersing oneself in open awareness through meditation, one can uncover the inherent sanity of non-attachment. The path to sanity is a gradual journey of embracing simplicity and open awareness, which reveals the true essence of one’s being.

Chad Foreman, the founder of The Way of Meditation, has dedicated himself to bringing authentic meditation practices to a modern audience. With over two decades of experience in teaching meditation, Chad’s teachings aim to guide individuals from mindfulness basics to profound states of awareness through various programs and retreats.

Meditation Retreats

are held regularly on the Sunshine Coast Australia, along with

Online Meditation Coaching

, and online programs such as

and

for stress management. Additionally, Chad offers

for purifying energy blocks. His insights are compiled in the free e-book

.