Spiritual Factors - Meditation and Carnival — YouTube from the CEC Library

A person told me he was going to practice meditation over the weekend. I replied that this is great, because meditating helps to stabilize and calm the mind. He commented that, since he began meditating for an hour once a week, he has been feeling a great improvement. I agreed that it is important to stop, take a rest, and review life. I reflected on the contradiction between meditation—which involves stopping and getting in touch with oneself—and the agitation of being near a samba school drum section. He bought a place at that samba school in Rio de Janeiro. What would be the opposite of meditation? For me, it is noise and agitation.

I am not criticizing; each person lives as they wish. But it is curious how we seek opposite things at the same time. Today, for example, I can meditate, enter into deep peace, light incense, listen to soft music, and work on my balance through the chakras. This can raise consciousness and bring peace. This situation reminds me of the phrase: "No one can serve two masters." When choosing a path, it is important to consider whether other activities do not interfere with or contradict that path. Being a religious priest does not prevent doing other things, but it is necessary to assess whether that disturbs your life or beliefs.

This story of my friend, who meditates, enters a state of deep ecstasy, and takes part in Carnival, remained as an example to share. It is not a criticism, but a reflection on how we relate to everything around us, starting with the relationship with ourselves. I am trying to learn this.