Meditations of a Commuter

"Meditations of a Commuter-Journey to Find My Self" is an engaging collection of essays, poems, haikus and affirmations that encourage spiritual growth and transformation. It seeks to help readers find inner peace amidst life's adversities, learn to use inevitable challenges and disappointments as opportunities for growth, and embrace uncertainty in the awareness of the present moment. Elements of Zen Buddhism and Christian and Muslim mysticism are woven together to promote mindfulness and a pervading sense of gratitude. Chapters 1-5 describe brief moments of clarity and spiritual awakening, experienced through contemplation and observation of our outer world while commuting, traveling, and interacting with people, pure spirits, and nature. Readers will find the essays in these chapters to be humorous, poignant, or thought-provoking. Chapters 6-8 discuss deeper experiences of spiritual growth and awareness of the present moment, gained through learning to observe and separate from an inner world that is often cluttered with incessant mind-generated thoughts and worries. The essays and poems focus more specifically on quieting the mind, transforming negativity energy into positive change, and finding a deeper spirituality and joy in the present moment. Many of the haikus and other shorter poems can be used as affirmations and mantras for meditation. The book also contains many original drawings, as well as numerous links to YouTube with original music from three albums produced by Meditations of a Commuter Music. Some of the tracks have slideshows to enhance the messages of the book. The longer soundtracks provide introspective and inspirational music to quiet the mind and prepare for meditation. "Meditations of a Commuter-Journey to Find My Self" is a wonderful gift for yourself and those whom you love. Chapter 1 Observing the World Around Us: Observations while commuting and traveling. Chapter 2 People Along the Way: People who have touched our lives. Chapter 3 The Beautiful Impermanent Seasons: Nature's ephemeral and inspirational beauty. Chapter 4 Pure Spirits: Those among us that live in the present moment. Chapter 5 Experiencing Presence in Nature: Nature's sacredness calls us to be present. Chapter 6 Observing Our Inner World: Choosing to deal positively with our inner turmoil. Chapter 7 The Beast or the Angel: Transforming heartache, loss, and pain into positive energy. Chapter 8 Realization of a Spiritual Hobbyist: Commitment to living joyfully in the present.