the meditation mystery

[This original post appeared at 2lookwithin.tumblr.com]

In the last post, I discussed how it is important for us to meditate in order to get over restlessness. But it is very true that meditation is something of a mystery to many. Some of the questions include:
• Why must we meditate?
• How is it valuable?
• How does it enhance my life?
• I’m not patient! How can you expect me to meditate?


These are very real and very important questions that must be answered and understood even before going into meditation. The reason for this is simple: once you have started meditating, doubting the effectiveness of it, however effective it is, will make all your achievements worthless.
So understanding the answers to these questions (and perhaps many more) are very important.


1. Why must one meditate?
There are a couple of reasons. Firstly, to focus. it will make an undeniable single pointed mind that knows that it wants. Secondly, to let the mind rest. When the mind is focused, it is at peace. It does not wander around aimlessly. And thirdly, to be introspective. It will help you understand yourself better.


2. How is it valuable? & 3. How does it enhance my life?
In addition to the reasons outlied above, meditation helps you figure out who you really are. In our world of constant “doing”, we have very little time to think. Meditation can aid us in “being” instead of just thinking.


4. I’m not patient. How can you expect me to meditate?
I believe this is a problem for many of us. If a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, then a peaceful and self-contained mind will have to begin with just seconds of meditation, if not more.
I used to have this problem. I overcame it by thinking about just one thing for 30 seconds at a time and breathing deeply. Once 30 seconds became easy, I added on another 30 seconds.

It has worked like a charm.

Patience will develop itself, if you plan to develop yourself.

Meditation is a mystery for many of us, and of course, it is not by speaking about it that one can uncover the mystery, but by doing. If you have tried it, and succeeded, or are still trying it, tell us about your experiences in the comments.

Try it today. :)