“I know I should meditate more.”
And with that, the pain begins.
That “should” word rears it’s ugly head once again, coupled with unrealistic expectations of what meditation is, what it looks like, how often it should be done, how it should be done and the effects it should give us. Inevitably, we fail to reach these lofty goals and come to one of two conclusions:
- Something is wrong with me
- Something is wrong with the technique
If we are lucky, we make the effort to seek out another technique or teacher, who perhaps will help us to get it. Unfortunately, many people give up and claim “I just can’t meditate.”
However, if we expand and deepen our understandings of what meditation is and the various approaches used, everyone can discover their method & style and reap the benefits that we seek, which is ultimately to live a better, happier life. I have been providing a weekly meditation practice group for many months and this is what we have discovered:
1. There are many ways to meditate, using silence, visualization, music and observing objects (such as the Art pieces on the office walls).
2. Meditation can be focused on calming the mind, using the mind, or aligning with the part of ourselves that is not the mind.
3. Mediation can be focused on health benefits such as stress relief & relaxation or it can be more spiritual in nature
4. Meditation can be practiced formally in a traditional seated position or one can apply the concepts of mindfulness into everyday living. My personal daily meditation time is during exercise.
5. Various forms of meditation are used by all cultures and religions in the world
6. Meditation can feel good or not; it can be peaceful or stressful; it can be light & easy or deep & challenging. We experience that which most benefits us at the time.
With so many options I hope to offer a solution to “I know I should meditate more, but I don’t have the time and I’m not good at it so what’s the point” attitude. Do consider joining us every Tuesday at 7:00 PM. I am also presenting a special workshop at Zen Muskoka in Bracebridge on Sunday February 21st from 3:00 – 5:00 PM which is a part of the Art of Relaxation series.
Say warm, stress less and accept more,
Dr. Nick
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