Meditation should be viewed as a journey. When learning, one of the first steps to meditate is acquiring not only an awareness of the mind but also knowing when the mind is quiet. It is important to recognize when thoughts enter and how to address them.

A basic understanding of the mind will aid one in this journey. It is called a journey because there is a beginning and an end. The beginning of the journey is the current state of being. The end is the final objective; however as one meditates, the final objective can shift and change. It can change due to personal growth or because of changes in perceptions and awareness.

View the mind as an entity where random thoughts can enter. In truth, thoughts are not random. Each thought has a basis and an objective. The nature of thoughts is infinite. Some thoughts have greater power than others based on the attention they demand. Thoughts can emerge from recent, past or hidden memories. Similarly, the senses have the power to trigger forgotten memories. Hearing a song or being in a certain place for example, can awaken memories of past events or experiences. Furthermore, stronger emotions associated with those events or experiences – such as anger, love, jealousy, etc., — may emerge. How these emotions are addressed depends on the nature of the individual.

Each person is unique, with a different past and different experiences both of which created the nature of the individual who exists in the moment. Thus, each individual reacts differently to stimuli from their environment. One of the objectives of meditation is to help shape the nature of the response to stimuli

The process of thinking, and the actions resulting from said thoughts, are natural functions of the conscious mind. Other factors relevant to the intrinsic nature of an individual are free will, choice, courage and power. There are deeper aspects which extend beyond the mind that form the building blocks or foundation of the life force within. The actions of an individual, choices and response to situations are determined by the nature of those building blocks. Meditation offers the opportunity to disassemble and rebuild, based on different mental architecture. The individual may choose to rebuild using materials such as Love and Truth. Thus, meditation is a tool which can be used to shape or direct the response to thoughts.

Embarking on the journey of meditation is the result of a personal choice perhaps due to the desire to change, or the desire to embrace the essence of life. There are numerous reasons for choosing this path. However, what is most important, is honouring that choice. To honour a personal choice is simply honouring one’s self.

On the path of meditation, be aware that distractions will appear. The mind likes to be busy. It likes to chatter about experiences, situations, hopes, desires, etc. The nature of the mind is to have fun. The mind likes to play games. The mind likes to be in control. The mind does not like change. Ultimately, the mind likes to feel safe. It is also important to realize  that the mind’s basic nature is self-protection. The mind does not like to be quiet or to meditate. Meditation will be viewed by the mind as a threat for two reasons; change and loss of control To explain, the primary objective of meditation is change. What is more threatening however, is losing control to a force greater than the mind — the life force within or more commonly described as the Spirit.

When it’s time to meditate, be prepared for the shenanigans of the mind that seek to kibosh said plans to meditate. This is where real power comes into play. The free will to choose is far more powerful than the mind, as it is a function of the Spirit. It is very important to remember this. When it’s time to meditate, manifest that power from within and choose by honouring the commitment made to self.

True happiness is often a misunderstood concept and state of being. In essence, true happiness can only be understood through lived experience. When one has lived and felt this happiness, then (and only then) comes the true realization which cannot be defined with words. Furthermore, every individual is meant to exist in this state of true happiness. Lifetime upon lifetime of choices navigated a pathway which strayed away from this reality, and the normal and natural state of existence was eventually lost and forgotten. “Normal” and “natural” in today’s world includes a variety of states which are based mostly on fear. Similarly, happiness in today’s society is perceived as the euphoric state reached by accumulating material possessions; therefore being in a position where others can be controlled. One might also understand this concept as a hypnotic state of infatuation. Meditation can be described as a state where the consciousness is expanded to embrace the subconscious or life force. It is an elevated state filled with potential. It can open a doorway which will lead back to the natural state of true and undefinable happiness.

On this journey, happiness is the beginning and happiness is the end. There is no better time than now to start polishing the compass which points in the direction of happiness. It is a journey which starts the moment the choice is made and ends at the place where happiness in all its glory is reborn. Embark on this journey and life will never be the same again. It will be filled with the most amazing moments. The doorway to the mysteries of life will open. Be prepared to be amazed but also be prepared to face difficult challenges which can feel too great to be endured. Anticipate being in the state of true happiness, and this consequently will build the courage and strength to persevere.

It was easy for the mind to be lulled into a state of stupor by erroneous choices or the fear of consequence. Errors have wounded both the conscious and subconscious mind, allowing precious happiness to bleed away. Such errors did not change life forever for the power to reverse course and return to the place of happiness lies within. 

Take heed of the wisdom from the saying, “Take up your bed a walk”. It is a metaphor for the return journey, one of healing. It is saying that blindness created by soporific patters must end. It is time to rise above the slumberous state and take responsibility for past actions. It is time to end patterns which energized devolution and assume the responsibility to correct them. 

Regardless of the current station in life, listen to the dialogue of the heart, for it is the voice of Truth. Engage the healing power which Truth offers. Follow this Truth inward and outward to embrace the most amazing joy. On this journey or on any journey, always choose happiness as the objective (the end condition for all involved), for It is the birthright of every life and within reach.