Mind-in-a-Jar Experiment
"You might find this activity helpful before the first session. Before meditating, fill a glass jar with water. Everyone take a good look at it. Then say something like, 'This is your mind — naturally clean, light and clear.' Now scoop up a little soil, from outside. Make sure there are no bits of dead grass or plant matter mixed in. Think about letting everyone take turns putting a pinch at a time into the jar. Say something like, 'Each tiny grain of this soil is one of our thoughts. Some are happy thoughts, some are sad, some are exciting wishes, some are dark and angry feelings.' Put a lid on the jar and swirl it around, so the water and soil swirl around faster and faster. Say, 'This is your mind in a hurry.'
"Now, let everything calm down by letting the jar sit still on a table and say, 'This is your mind during meditation. Watch the thoughts settle down to the bottom, leaving the water — our minds — the way they were in the first place, not heavy, dark and muddy, but clear, light and clean. Now we can act peacefully, because we can think clearly!'
"Just for fun, place the jar on a nearby shelf or windowsill and you can all check in on it before or after sitting over the next few days. How long did it take for the water to completely clear up?"
