How Do I Meditate

People ask me this often and I usually answer this question by addressing to look at oneself and be honest to oneself. Basically while looking at myself not in an investigate way rather by seeing what’s there I stay back and observe and let things be. I watch and observe thoughts and feelings but do not get involved. I do not take side or judge. Every thought and feeling can go it’s own way. I stay in the “here and now” in the present moment.

If I can do this long enough then usually the mind gets peaceful and relaxed. However the mind will make it difficult and wants me to get involved. Whenever I catch myself drifting off I remind myself gently to go back to observing. Patiently and consistently I bring my attention back to the present moment. The mind cannot be forced and thoughts cannot be pushed away. I go with my mind with a sense of compassion and understanding but never give up to watch the present moment. It requires persistence and determination with a sense of acceptance that the mind is like a wild monkey always jumping all over the place.
The reason why it is difficult to focus in the beginning of one’s practice is the sensory world in which we are trapped. Our mind races to find pleasure through all our 5 doors. On top comes that we are used to constantly think about the past or future. Even while we are working or do other things our mind often drifts off back and forth. If we apply the mindfulness of the present moment at work we are much better at what we are doing.

I practice the present moment until the mind settles and go over to watch the breath.Honesty to myself means also accepting my shortcomings and acknowledging of what I really want in my life. I personally do not live by just floating along. I have plans about my life and what I want to achieve. I usually do achieve what I want and use obstacles as a learning experience. Meditation is a part of my life which enables me to look at the broader picture of my life. It is impermanent full of obstacles and problems and really the pleasures of life do not give me the same sense of contentment and peace as I can have within a calm mind.
I asked myself of what I am living for and how to achieve this then I studied with an open mind, practiced, investigated and build up from my own wisdom, insights and understanding. Everyone can do this unless illness prevents it. I have a new build house, new furniture's and other material possessions but I do not see them as too important in my life. I understand that I could loose these things tomorrow. So I do not build my happiness on these things. I need a roof over my head, medicine in times of illness, food and clothes. I live my life by earning money through helping others as a carer and counsellor.
Meditation helps me to look at my life as a journey to do as good as I can towards myself and others. To do good and avoid evil. Whenever I fall, I pull myself up and move on. Meditation is being mindful and do things with awareness. When I meditate in the evening then I know that my lack of mindfulness during the day impinges on my quality of peacefulness. Everything I do I look into the skilfulness and wholesomeness in my life. I do not run away from unpleasant experiences.

Part of learning to become calm is accepting restlessness as part of our human nature. It is learning not to push anything unpleasant away as these experiences are necessary for peaceful states of mind. Temporarily when I meditate we could say by leaving this world I invite the world to be with me. Inside my mind the world is created and there it will cease.

How Do I Meditate

by andreass1 on Nov 07, 2009

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How Do I Meditate — Document Transcript