Why can’t I meditate

To meditate is to dive into the unknown. The word meditate has Latin roots (meditari) and means ‘to measure’, which converts to ‘to ponder’. In this information age, where we are bombarded with content, it becomes tough to ponder. What should we ponder? Why sit idly when I can browse new content? How is mediation going to help me? I can’t relate to being idle.

Tentative definition of Meditation

These are some common thoughts we might have if we try to initiate meditation. The oldest known method of meditation is dhyan, which has no description in English. What is working for us and what is not working for us depends on our experience. As per the neonatologists, a baby has to be introduced to a food item 15 times before they accept it. So how can we know which method is suitable for us? Even a child doesn’t know the benefits of a particular food before consuming it.  

In the end, experience is at the core of our beliefs. If the experience is positive, we keep at it; that is how addictions are caught. Though addictions soon becomes a means to escape reality. Meditation is more about giving up instant gratification or the feel-good factor and focusing on something else. That has benefits in the long run. But how long the run would be depends on the person. So why dive into the unknown?

How deep is too deep?

For better understanding, let’s first break ‘pondering’ down into a simpler format. We can be aware of the first thing that is closest to us, before being aware of a possibility in the distant future. We are most familiar with our body and mind. The body is all our senses and the feelings they bring us. The mind is the processor and storage of these feelings, that builds the experience. It is hard to describe the mind as a physical organ. Think of it as a brain for each cell, each neuron. We ignore basic requirement of living; getting an understanding of the body and the mind. Unless the pain is too extreme, we don’t go to the doctor. Similarly, unless the emotions don’t overflow, we don’t talk about it. 

Bridging the gap through personal wisdom

In my understanding, mindfulness is the first step to such awareness. Mindfulness means being aware of the present. Letting go of the worries of the past or hopes of the future and just being there in the now. It sounds simple, but that too requires conscious work. For starters, it requires an understanding of the mind and how to manage it. The mind is a concept that has evolved with our understanding of the world. Though the major part of the mind is still unconscious, it is still the most active part of it. By consciousness, we mean the parts we are aware of. The mind can be divided into three parts depending on our cognition and awareness: conscious, subconscious, and unconscious. Consciousness is the awareness we have; it can be about the internal faculties or the external world. Expanding our consciousness is the start of an adventure. 

Why do I need mindfulness in my life?

Are you happy with your current state, or do you wish to achieve something bigger? Have your dreams been big but vague and are yet to manifest? Do you feel your purpose is to have meaning in your existence and not to live with the bandwagon? If you have such questions in your life, congratulations! You are in need for mindfulness. You might have substituted it with meditation, but that just increased the anxiety. Meditation is a state that will help you once all these questions have been answered. 

You need to manage your emotions, thoughts, and feelings before going deeper. To find the divine, you first need to have the sight that will allow you to see. Sometimes, in the process of finding that sight, you realise the divine. This might seem abstract for now. But look for your centre. Letting go of your cognition helps.

Let’s do a simple exercise:

• Start by breathing a little deeper than you are doing. Take an inhale, pause, and exhale, count if you have to.
• Continue this rhythm for a few breaths.
• Now imagine that this breath is coming from the heart.
• Focus your attention on your heart and continue to breathe deeply.
• Introduce a feeling of gratitude. Think of a thing or experience you feel thankful for.
• Notice how your mind is now lighter, and a certain degree of focus has come into your being. 

This is a technique from the HeartMath Institute called heart-focused breathing. Although it seems quick, one can practice it at their own pace. It can be practised anytime with eyes open or closed, sitting, standing, or even during transit. 

There is a neural network in our abdomen that works independently from our brain. The talk about gut feelings was not a hoax. Problem in this area can lead to anxiety, depression and distress etc. And you thought these were lifestyle disease.

Ultimate objective

We are not trying to develop superpowers; instead, we are realising our latent talents and powers. This helps us solve problems easier and more efficiently in our day-to-day lives. 

Mental exercises and mindfulness are like brushing your teeth; you need to do them regularly, or else you won’t feel right about them. We ignore the greatest part of life—the gift that can make us geniuses. Only 1% of the world is working on this aspect of life. Why not make a difference in your life and for the world by starting with one simple activity daily? Increasing your awareness will help you learn about others as well; it is like you will become more sensitive. Sensitivity helps you flow and lets the divine flow within you. 

What is the divine? Well,  it is your highest potential and the greatest part of you that you are still unaware of. I hope this helps answer some of the doubts you had before diving deeper. For more, just connect with me.

Finally I would like to add that forgive yourself. It is fine if you can’t the find the answer that is in the topic. Be grateful that you could ask the question. The answer will come eventually, just let go of your fears and worries.