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.