Kate Question #109

 

Dear Joshua,

I'm finding my meditation less satisfying, less focused than a few years ago. I'm wondering why that is? Of course I'll keep going. I know the positive effects of meditation can be subtle and it is called "practice". Maybe it's just a question of me learning more patience... With myself but Olson more generally. And what are the causes of impatience, generally?

With love and appreciation,
Kate


Dear Kate,

Meditation is the practice of quieting the mind. The purpose is to slow or stop thought for a period of time. Some people find this very difficult and get frustrated with the process. However, with practice everything gets easier.

It might help to create a routine. Meditate at the same time, with the same device (music, guided meditation, chanting, humming, listening to nature, etc.) for the same duration every single day. Try experimenting with one set time of day, like the morning, and stick to that time every day for two weeks. Try meditating for fifteen minutes each day. Try listening to the same thing each day. Try going for a few seconds focusing on the music without allowing a thought to enter. If a thought enters, evaporate it and try again for another few seconds. Soon enough you'll find a routine that works for you and you'll be able to be thought-free for minutes at a time.

We believe that the best time for you to meditate in the morning before work rather than in the evening after work. The meditation will set the tone for the day. It will be easier for you to be calm and at ease. It will make it easier for you to feel emotion as it arises and realize that it's just irrational fear. If you can control your negative emotions at work, things will really start to happen.

With all our love,
Joshua

Back