Meditation - my reflections
I sometimes hear clients say ‘I tried meditation a few times, but it didn’t work’.
I’ll often respond by using the example of going to the gym to strengthen muscles - on the first visit we won’t see any difference, after a few weeks there may be subtle changes that are visible, but it is unlikely that until we are in a regular routine of going to the gym and doing the same exercises consistently that we’ll see a change in our muscles, feel much stronger or be able to lift heavier things with more ease. And even then we have to maintain it.
The brain is also a muscle. A few ‘goes’ at meditation (or anything) will rarely make a difference in how we feel or respond to life. Nor will it be likely to elicit any long-term changes. It is a continued practice. One that takes consistency and the same dedication as going to the gym (if we were to continue using that analogy).
In addition, and being completely real here, does it mean that once we are dedicated to a regular practice it becomes easy?
…I would suggest, not. But hear me out…
We may find meditation a challenge on most days, particularly if we’re going through difficult times (I speak from experience). It may feel like we sit down with all the right intentions and the mind continues to wander, chatter or strongly resist all attempts to be still. HOWEVER, the dedication to sit down and meditate, even if it’s for 5 minutes a day, will on some level, prime the mind for more resilience.
You may not notice this subtle shift during the practice, but will see it in how you react or respond to certain situations afterwards. If not in your actual behaviour, then at least in your awareness of it. This may even be your reaction to something being delayed by a few seconds, or noticing why you reacted in a certain way to a situation. Basically, becoming your own observer, to start recognising patterns in the way you show up to any interaction in life and the people in it.
For me, however, and a controversial opinion perhaps, is that firstly it’s more about the dedication we bring to the practice than the actual practice itself. After all, without this dedication, the practice would not take place at all, would it?
Certainly not for me. As someone who dabbled in meditation for many years, it wasn’t until a 10-day silent meditation retreat a year ago, where we had a strict schedule and were meditating for 10+ hours a day that *it* - the power of meditation - really landed with me. Something I would definitely not have been able to achieve through will power on my own.
Does it mean was it easy? No.
Did I find it challenging? Absolutely.
Did I find every excuse in my mind to resist the endless hours of sitting each day? For the most part, yes.
Until - I fully accepted the resistance. I actually laughed at it (after some tears following 70 intense hours of meditation over the first 7 days) and realised it was all part of the experience anyway. We’re only humans, after all.
So, I encourage anyone to at least create some consistency around the practice to see if it actually works for them. Much like anything in life, we’ll only see results once we put in the work regularly, and then we’ll no doubt have times when it’s the last thing we’ll want to do, but feeling the benefits from it previously, will be the motivation to keep the practice going.
Ramble over. Point being, discipline and consistency go along way to supporting wellbeing. A meditation practice is also, I believe, an immensely powerful way to help quiet a busy mind, and create space for stillness in the day.
Obviously the above, only reflects my experience and everyone is different. It’s also important to acknowledge that we’re all constantly evolving, as is the life we live, so this may only resonate with some people reading this. And that’s totally fine too. It really comes down to finding whatever works for you. But keep an open mind and if you do give meditation a go, do it consistently over a period of time to see if it works for you.