15 Feb What To Expect When You’re Expecting Peace
Today we discuss the topic: What to expect from Meditation. Since we all want to enjoy happiness and peace of mind and avoid problems, it’s only natural to want good experiences during meditation. But such expectations are not necessarily realistic and are likely to hinder your progress. So, in order to experience the benefits of meditation, you have to practise it without any expectations. That’s right. Zero = Meditation Hero!
The mind is complex and ever-changing. One day you might have a calm, joyful meditation and the next a meditation beset by distractions and turmoil. This is quite normal and should not cause worry or frustration. Sometimes it may even be the toughest thing to do when you’re in a horrible mood, and you might have to push yourself to even get out of bed, and onto the floor. That’s why it’s okay to meditate anywhere- with earphones plugged in, on your bed, just as long as you do it.
Be ready for anything and do not be disturbed by whatever happens. The most troublesome painful experiences can be the most valuable in terms of growth or wisdom. Feel satisfied that you are making the effort to meditate and transform your mind- that itself is meditation.
As long as you are trying, it is mistaken to think that you can’t meditate. Results take time. Don’t be discouraged if you have not achieved good concentration within a few weeks; it is better to think in terms of years. Habits built over a lifetime are not eliminated instantly but by gradual cultivation of new habits. So be easy on yourself. Recognize your capabilities and limitations and evaluate your progress accordingly. Just remember that, meditation is most effective when you don’t have any expectations or desires for any result and do it with just one intention- to enjoy the time you have with yourself.
I would love to hear from you your thoughts on this topic, so don’t forget to leave a comment here. References have been taken from: “How To Meditate by Kathleen McDonald”.
Nehita Abraham
Nehita is a mindfulness expert who writes extensively on lifestyle management, wellness and ways to lead a healthier and a happier life. She is a part of Aware’s expert team on meditation. She is also an avid artist who spends most her time dribbling amazing stories through art
Lucy Anoka
Posted at 03:09h, 18 MarchThank u so much!
Aware
Posted at 03:57h, 21 MarchYou’re most welcome, Lucy 🙂
Patricio
Posted at 06:13h, 18 MarchIm new in meditation, and I have expirience a change, but sometimes after a meditation that leaves in peace, suddenly a storm comes, troubles at work, personal question, i want to know why is that? Thank you
Aware
Posted at 04:05h, 21 MarchHi Patricio,
Our minds have multiple layers, just like an onion. When you peel a layer, another layer appears and as you keep on peeling all the layers, you’re finally left with nothing of the onion. Similarly, with each day of meditation, you’re peeling a layer of your mind. Someday, you might feel calm while other days you might feel disturbed. You need to have patience; take every experience with an open heart and observe them from a distance. Soon, you will be able to see the clarity in your mind.
GEORGIA
Posted at 13:47h, 21 JulyThis is a very good article & it addressed some of the “problems” that I have been dealing with in my meditation. I will now be able to relax more & let my thoughts ramble through my mind during my meditation sessions. Thank you.
Aware
Posted at 15:04h, 24 JulyYou are welcome Georgia 🙂
Stefan
Posted at 07:50h, 01 AugustI’m always astounded, amazed and bewildered to realise how difficult it often is to meditate without expectations.
My goal is to simply sit down and take this time for myself. I came to realise that I need to honour my inner self more and meditation practice is the key to this.
Aware
Posted at 09:00h, 01 AugustThat is so true Stefan!
So glad you found your purpose for meditation.
Thanks for giving our blog a read 🙂
Rahul gupta
Posted at 16:02h, 09 AugustWhen i started meditation a few montgs ago, the first thing I searched was “what will i get out of it ?”. I got a lot of answers but when i started doing it & found the only reason that motivates me to do it is calming the mind.
So that I don’t forget what’s important for me & having reenergize by it like you woke up after a sleep is an additional benefit when you do it at the end of the day.
Great article nehita. Keep it coming !
Aware
Posted at 09:26h, 14 AugustHi Rahul,
thank you for you writing to me.
I can personally relate to your reason for calming the mind, and i’m sure a lot of us can too.
Wish you a happy meditation for today 🙂
Jay Henson
Posted at 12:54h, 11 AugustHabits built over a lifetime are not eliminated instantly but by gradual cultivation of new habits.
Aware
Posted at 09:27h, 14 AugustVery true Jay 🙂
Catherine S Stewart
Posted at 21:13h, 27 AugustThank you for an informative article.
I always used to think that meditation implied adherence to a religion. I understand, now, that it has no such affiliation and is beneficial for everyone!
Could you write an article addressing this misconception? I’d enjoy reading your thoughts on the matter.
Catherine Stewart
Altruiste Cravens
Posted at 14:57h, 30 AugustMeditation is entirely about being in the moment, and if we can accomplish this our lives become a living meditation, one in which allows us to more easily find and follow our life without any crutches to hold us up, i.e. religious ideology, drugs, alcohol, etc.