Everything on this site says meditation meditation meditation — the whole reason for its existence is to tell you how awesome it is. The advice offered is about the power of meditation and how it can change your life. There is post after post exhorting you to try it, explaining what to expect, and helping you understand the difference between meditation and spacing out. 🙂
But how can I be so sure of meditation as the solution?
Why do I believe so strongly that if you meditate, you too will experience these benefits?
The core reason behind it is that I really really did not want to meditate when I first encountered it.
I was introduced to meditation at a very young age (early 20s — if you’re currently in your 20s, don’t worry, even if doesn’t feel like it now, at some point you’ll discover that it’s very young!) I had been very casually interested in crystals and tarot cards and astrology, and thought maybe I’d find out more about wicca — but when I met an advanced teacher who said that meditation is required for spiritual advancement, I *really* did not want to hear it. I did all that I could to get out of it. I rejected the advice out of hand, at least at first I did. I was an unwilling meditator, for sure.
Even today, after many years of a regular practice, I still have to force myself to go do it many days. There have been phases in my life when I’m on fire with my practice and can’t wait to get to the mat in the morning, but more often than not, meditation is a chore.
Until I’m doing it, that is. And then it becomes so deliciously beautiful that I remember how much I love it.
Even more important though: I meditated only because I was told to for the first chunk of my spiritual life. I really would not have done it if it was not a fundamental part of the path I was on. To be frank, if my teacher had been any less insistent on the need for meditation, then nah. I wouldn’t have bothered.
Because meditation is WORK — at least, it is if you’re doing it right! It’s like doing push-ups or cranking on the Stairmaster. It’s not necessarily fun while you’re doing it, and it’s certainly not something I tend to look forward to.
But just like with running, once you put the shoes on, then you’re committed. Then it’s not difficult to get out the door and do a mile or two. And then all is awesome.
With meditation too: Sometimes you have to drag yourself to the mat. But then you’re doing it, and pretty soon you’re done. And yes, all is awesome.
The reason I’m so utterly convinced in the value of meditation to change your life and lead you to happiness — even though you are so completely different than I — I’m convinced of it because of how much I did not want to do it!
I was so not into meditation when I stumbled into it.
I resisted and fought it for years.
(Some days I still totally do!)
And yet…
I see SO MUCH of absolutely fundamentally INCREDIBLE true wonder in my life that is only attributable to meditation.
Everything about me has changed — for the better!
Life is easy through meditation.
It’s not without challenges, but it’s always manageable, and it’s good.
So good.
Very, very good.
Again, I’m not saying that my life is perfect — even though it is! 🙂 I’m saying that I know I can handle it. All of it. And that is the gift that meditation has given.
Leave a Reply