Meditation - Yes You Can!

Meditation. We’ve all tried it. We’ve all failed at it. It still occasionally sends a spike of panic through me. I’ve been practicing meditation on and off for 40 years. Most of that time I felt very unsuccessful. I think the biggest problem was the way it was explained to me: quiet your mind. I tried. Again and again and again. I can’t quiet my mind! My mind is always talking. And more than just talking, most of the time it feels like Chuck E Cheese’s in there! Lights flashing, colors swirling, beeping, honking, whistling, screaming. It’s a good place to be on a Saturday night, but not so good when I’m trying to meditate.

But then I found a little room next to Chuck E Cheese’s that is quiet and peaceful. And it has helped me find a way to meditate.

Here’s how this works: I close my eyes, take a couple of deep breaths, and think about finding the quiet place inside of me using my imagination. I imagine a place inside of me that is quiet and peaceful. It may be a room in my mind, or space in my heart. Or even outside of my body, in the woods or a cave. And then I just settle there and let my body relax, let myself take a very deep breath. I imagine I’m in the eye of a storm - all my thoughts are still there, all the problems of my life and in the world, but they are blowing around me instead of in me. I am in my quiet place. And this is where I find what I’m seeking. Peace. Joy. Spirit. Connection. It may only last a few moments, even a second. But it’s there.

One More Thing

Often I get frustrated when I can’t hold onto the quiet. I work to get to that place and then it’s gone, and I feel defeated. Again.

But wait! Why do I feel defeated? Why do I berate myself - after this incredible, beautiful experience?

When I saw what I was doing to myself, I realized I didn’t have to beat myself up for losing my connection. Instead, I say to myself, “That was great! Let’s do that again!” and I start over, taking a couple of deep breaths, finding my place and sitting quietly. Even if it is only for a few seconds, I consider it a success. It’s a lot like riding my favorite amusement park ride. The ride doesn’t last very long but when it ends I think, “That was great! Let’s do it again!” and I get back in line. Same thing.

I spent way too much time beating myself up, feeling inadequate for my inability to keep my focus. I don’t do that anymore. All I need to do is close my eyes, take a couple of deep breaths, and go to my quiet place. Bam! I’m there. Success!