Often when speaking to people who are new to meditation, they comment that they can’t get thoughts out of their minds. It’s the commonest “complaint” when it comes to meditation. And its a fair complaint given that the purpose of meditation is to quieten the mind so that the deeper more still aspects maybe appreciated.

The problem is that this is something that can not be forced. The place of “no thought” is one that has to be arrived at. And just like everything in life that is worth anything, this takes practice. Buddhist monks devote their whole lives to this, so don’t expect it to happen in a few sessions! So how do we combine practice without the effort? It seems to be the biggest dilemma for meditators. On one hand it can’t be forced. On the other hand it seems to be goal. And if you had one more hand, it requires a discipline!

Firstly, you have to be easy with yourself. Dedicate yourself to a regular meditation practice. 20 minutes twice a day is a good starting point. Tell yourself that no matter what happens in that time is OK. Whether the time is occupied purely by thoughts or not is fine. Whether you experience bliss or not is fine. Have the “Los Vegas attitude”.  Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Whatever happens in meditation stays in meditation. It doesn’t need to be dissected and analysed or broadcast to the world!!!

Eventually with time and training you will start to understand the nature of your mind better. You will see that thoughts may still be running around, but you are not strongly identified with them. You become part of the blue sky watching the clouds moving down below. Is this a worthwhile activity you may ask? And I say, “it is THE most worthwhile thing you ever do”. Everything else in your life will come and go, including your thoughts, but once you know the stillness of your soul, nothing can take this away from you. Neither sickness, death or disaster.

Isn’t that a good space to be in?! And yes, it’s available to all of us, not just the chosen few:)

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit