The meditation experience is interesting because on one hand it is about completely letting go of everything, and on the other hand, it is about paying more attention. It’s a paradox. Let go of everything and have the courage and faith and conviction to keep letting go, fearlessly, no matter what arises. But don’t let go of consciousness, don’t let go of attention, don’t let go of awareness. Meditation is the paradox between those two positions. Andrew Cohen
This image is about sanctuary and beauty in the middle of a noisy, sometimes dirty city. We can create that within, and it doesn’t hurt to have a space in the backyard to meditate or enjoy quality connections with good people. 
Meditation is also about centering yourself, not just to enjoy relaxation, but in order to be able to be “out there” in the world. To be able to direct your attention and make the wiser, more beneficial choice in many moments throughout your day.
Break into the peace within. Hold attention in stillness. And in the world outside, you will ably master ten thousand things. -Lao Tzu
Marian Baker is a master certified coach,
speaker/teacher and author of award-winning book 