I recently hiked a small mountain with my dogs. It took some time and effort to navigate the trail. A perfect 60 degree fall day. A beutiful view at the top was our reward (or at least my reward, I dont’ think the dogs noticed).

A similar effort-reward comes with meditation. This view is an inner one. What do you see? What is showing up on your internal horizon, your private vista?

Meditation shows us what is here inside and outside. Outside is more compelling–the familiar sights of the world. What we see draws us into story, remembrance, and anticipation. The changing landscape puts us in place as we move through the world.

Sometimes, often, the outer landscape is obscured by our internal dialogue. We talk over the magnificent views that are available. When we meditate, we seek to undo the influence of these stories so that we can appreciate what’s really happening.

There is a lot going on inside that is not part of a story we tell ourselves. Images arise and fade away in the mind. Thoughts come and go. Emotions wax and wane. This is the internal show and it is always available whenever we can pull ourselves away from outer focus and inner distraction.

Close your eyes and find your view now.