Before we run the race, we sit in stillness.

Introduction
“Please come and stand in the circle.” That’s how I begin, bowing slightly to each person before me. You have come this far. You’ve been tested. You’ve prepared. Now, before the run, we meditate.

Meditation, like running, is personal and individual. There is no single right way. It is a practice of aligning mind, body, and spirit — a way of clearing the noise before entering the day. What follows is my own path inward, step by step.

The First Level: Breath and Focus
I sit comfortably, loosen my clothing, and close my eyes.
Breathe in … breathe out.
Count: one … two … three … four … five.

At first my thoughts scatter like startled birds. With each counted breath they settle. My focus narrows to a single point — the “third eye” at the centre of my forehead. The noise recedes. This is the doorway to meditation.

The Second Level: Ancestors and Guides
Once my mind is still, I reach out to those who walked before me — family, friends, companions beyond this life. My mother’s warmth. My grandmother’s humility. The forgiveness of a friend lost in an accident. Each presence a quiet blessing.

Then I enter the presence of my Teacher — Sen. In my imagination he is Eastern, calm, and wise. Sometimes he offers insight on family or work, sometimes only silent companionship. His attitude is always kindness and deep concern. This is where I listen and learn.

The Third Level: The Angelic Realm
Deeper still, I come to a place of angelic calm — detached from material life yet filled with love. Here the guardians who have watched over us for thousands of years stand witness. They hold the memory of our earliest rituals, our first questions about life and death, our longing for the divine. Sitting here, I feel completely understood.

The Fourth Level: The Light
Finally, I enter the Light — the presence of Prophets, Sages, and God. In this space I feel warmth, love, and gratitude that transcends understanding. It is a moment of bliss, a reminder of the timeless soul within me — the “Totem” that has lived many lives, carrying wisdom beyond death.

Returning
Slowly, I breathe in again. The room reappears. The sun has not yet risen but I am calm and prepared. I thank my ancestors, my Teacher, my angels, and God. I rise, ready for the day ahead.

If you were to take five counted breaths right now, where would your inner journey begin? Whom or what might you meet along the way?