Dear
______________________,
Thank you for your letter.
Among my students and clients over the years (and some of my personal
friends as well), a majority report experiencing difficulty with
meditation. While their reasons vary, the most frequent are in line
with what you're describing: time constraints, lack of privacy, and
difficulty being still.
Meditation is a powerful transformational tool. It requires dedication:
daily practice. Most people don't like to hear this but the truth is,
there are no short cuts. Spiritual discipline accepts no excuses. The
old saying, "You get from it what you put into it," is very accurate.
Please do not feel that this is meant in a scolding manner. It is not.
Rather, it is more to address the most common misconceptions about
meditation. Many people believe that if they sit cross-legged and close
their eyes for 5 minutes once a month, untold spiritual wonders will
unfold before them. While it may seem contradictory, meditation
is much simpler than most people expect and this simplicity, in many
cases, is what confuses people. They assume that there must be more to
it, they must be "doing it wrong," and/or when those "untold spiritual
wonders" do not unfold before them, they believe they must not be
"special" enough. None of this is true.
The truth is that meditation is a profound journey that cannot be
rushed. It takes a life time to master it because the
real goal in meditation is to master yourself. The discipline this
requires is more
of a commitment than most people are willing to make and the
misconceptions about meditation cause many people to abandon the
practice before they ever really begin it.
The best advice I can offer you is to start by researching different
approaches to and forms of meditation. The internet is a wonderful
resource for this. You might also want to go to a local library or book
store and pick up a beginners book. There are hundreds available. Look
for one that explains several different types of meditation and try as
many of these as possible.
Many of the people I work with find that guided meditations are the
easiest way to start. You might want to shop around and try some of
these also. See what resonates with you. Some find it is incredibly
easy to sit in their vehicle (on a lunch break from work or while out
running errands) with headphones and a guided meditation CD. These can
be picked up at many bookstores or metaphysical shops. Some libraries
lend them out as well. See what is available in your area.
Other people find that the structured environment of group meditation
classes works well for them. If this appeals to you, try an internet
search in your area for meditation classes. Many will allow you to
attend one trial class to see if it's right for you.
The point is to experiment. See what resonates with you. As you try
different methods and approaches, you'll actually be training your mind
to open to the idea of meditation which will make your practice much
easier once you find a style that works for you.
Whatever method you are trying, start with15-20 minutes a day. Set
aside and schedule this time in your day planner, if need be. Consider
it sacred because it is
sacred. It's time for yourself. Time to cleanse and recharge yourself.
Time to nurture your Spirit. Time to center yourself and commune with
your Source. What could be more sacred than this?
Enter into your meditation time with intention but release your
expectations. Simply let it be what it is. This is difficult to grasp
at first. If you continue, you will understand it with time.
Be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to enjoy the journey instead
of focusing on the destination. Keep at it and you will see results.
I hope that something I have shared with you helps you along your
Path. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist
you.
In Light, Love, and Peace,
~ Jordyn