Embracing the Mind's Dance: Finding Stillness in Meditation
Here’s your question to ponder for the day: Does the mind need to cease thinking during meditation?
It's a question frequently asked by beginners and even experienced meditators. How do we stop the mind from thinking or does it have to stop altogether?
Another common question is not whether we should stop mental chatter, but rather how to achieve that stillness in meditation. It's not merely about the mind needing to stop; it's about how to stop the mind during meditation.
What is the Mind?
First, let's delve into what the mind truly is.
The mind serves as the control center for all our sensory and cognitive processes. Its role is to interpret, think, alert, and ponder. Without the mind, our functioning would be impaired.
So let me pose this question to you: the heart is an organ, and its natural function is to pump and keep us alive. Does the heart need to stop beating? No. Similarly, the mind doesn't need to stop thinking during meditation. In fact, it's in the nature of the mind to continue thinking incessantly.
So, what's the solution? How do we overcome the distracting thoughts that arise during meditation? Read on to find out.
What to do with Thoughts During Meditation
First, it's important to understand that we don't need to stop our thoughts. We also don't need to engage with them. There are various perspectives on this matter, with some suggesting that we should embrace and reflect upon the thoughts.
Personally, I disagree with this approach and find it unhelpful. Drawing from my Vedic studies and the teachings passed down by my genuine teachers, I have never been taught to engage with thoughts in this way.
However, many students have asked me about this, wondering if they should interact with their thoughts, pass judgment on them, or attempt to eliminate them. My unequivocal answer is no.
You simply remind yourself that you are off task and return to the object of focus.
Yes, thoughts can be distracting. They arise during meditation and bother us. Sometimes they elicit strong emotions, either depressing or exciting, tempting us to abandon our practice and attend to our daily tasks.
But with continued practice and dedicated time, you will notice improvement.
I can assure you that, even after years of practice, your mind will not cease thinking entirely unless you are pursuing an extreme ascetic path or adhering strictly to the yogic renunciation described in the Yoga Sutras….and even then…not so common and certainly not so easy.
When we discuss meditation, we are not referring to complete cessation of thought, which is an advanced stage of concentration and meditation. Most of us are seeking something different.
Your Goal in Meditation
Ask yourself this: What is your goal in meditation?
Are you attempting to calm your nervous system and ease anxiety? If so, it is necessary to calm the mind, but we don't need to stop the thoughts. It's a matter of practice and habit. When thoughts arise, let them go and return to your object of meditation: a picture, a deity, a holy image, a concept, a mantra, or your breath. Whatever serves as your focal point, bring your attention back to it as soon as you notice your mind wandering.
Sometimes, you may realize that a significant amount of time has passed while you were caught up in a train of thought. Those thought trains can persist during meditation. Once again, the key is to redirect your focus to the breath or your chosen object of meditation.
Purging of Thoughts
According to the Yoga Sutras, there is a stage where the mind purges itself of thoughts when you sit down to meditate. Perhaps you didn't notice this as much when you were busy and constantly on the move.
Why is that? It's because you are becoming aware of your thoughts by taking that silent moment to sit down and rest. Naturally, you will be more attentive than when you are preoccupied with various activities.
However, this purging of thoughts can be immensely beneficial. Whenever I find myself under tremendous stress with a multitude of responsibilities, I know that I need to sit down and meditate even more than usual.
The initial 20 minutes may consist of releasing all the thoughts, stress, drama, and excessive mental chatter. I’m not even meditating, I am really just sitting and letting the mind do its thing.
This phase is super helpful for clearing the path and preparing the mind for meditation.
During this time, I don't exert too much effort in controlling my thoughts. Just let it purge and remind yourself the mind will start to calm down.
This is my approach when I'm exceptionally stressed and overwhelmed. I simply allow the mind to run its course. Eventually, it begins to calm down, regardless of the stress or circumstances in my life.
After years of practice, the mind becomes accustomed to this calming effect, facilitating meditation. This is the fruit of training the mind. And many other to come the further we can go.
How to View the Thought Trains
So, you see, the thinking that occurs when we sit down to meditate is not drastically different from our normal state. It's just that we become more aware of our mental activity as we slow down. This realization may be unsettling for some, but that's alright.
The more you sit with it, the more comfortable you will become. Unwanted emotions and thoughts may surface, but that's the nature of meditation.
Is Meditation Even Worth it?
Here’s another question for you: Is it all worth it…you might be wondering? Or does it just seem like mental gymnastics?
Absolutely, it's worth it.
Once your meditation practice solidifies, you will realize it's the most valuable asset in your life. It significantly reduces stress in the long run and equips you with coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges.
Not to mention the blissful state and profound relaxation that meditation can bring. Your mind becomes accustomed to this delightful experience, and it will yearn to return to it again and again.
In conclusion, during meditation, the mind will wander.
Bring it back.
The mind will be troublesome and cause disruptions.
Bring it back.
The mind may pose challenges, but repeatedly redirect your focus to your object of meditation.
Never skip a day.
Never give up because of the activity of your mind.
I promise you, if you persist, it will change. You will discover that you have cultivated the best habit possible in this lifetime, one that offers immeasurable benefits.
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