Perfection of the Mind and Other Reasons to Meditate
When we know why we are doing something, that action becomes conscious. When we are aligned with purpose, and understand the direction sought, we are able to show up for simple, boring discipline more consistently. Some choose to meditate because they want to stop yelling at loved ones, stop feeling chronically overwhelmed, start feeling a consistent peace. Others might share that their “why” is to access creativity, to let go of fear, grief, or to be able to enjoy the positive things in their life. Still others may find meditation as an effort to cope with something jarring, like a loved one’s death or a daunting diagnosis. There are no wrong reasons, as long as they are authentic and true.
In my reading about meditation, I loved learning the Perfection of the Mind concept. A Buddhist framing, Perfection of the Mind refers to how meditation can help us access a neutral state of mind, where the brain can observe and take in what is happening in the present moment fully, and respond with the level of clarity that occurs when it is not juggling multiple stories, thoughts and beliefs. It essentially returns the mind to the way it can operate in its ideal state. Staying in the present, we can give our full engagement to the moment as it unfolds, and stay out of illusions that can get formed through overthinking or juggling of thoughts.
In order to fully appreciate the Perfection of the Mind state, we need to bring some consciousness to how much our minds can get overloaded, and begin exploring why that is the case. When I was a young adult, navigating college, I had the convenience of a cell phone and the expanded access to information through the Internet, but it would still be about 10 years before smartphones would hit the scene. I remember sitting in the library or at my desk at home to complete a paper or study for an exam. That time was planned and dedicated. When I’d get bored or distracted or overwhelmed, I might look out the window, or stretch, or take a 3-minute walk to the bathroom. As I sit with a task now, I am fully aware of the pull of the mini-computer by my side, often losing the focus battle to scrolling through social media posts that add little to my life other than unnecessary comparisons to others and fear. Even as a mindfulness teacher, I can succumb to stretches of 10, 20, 30 minutes - the more tired or dis-regulated I am, the longer the stretch. My smart phone can distract me with endless texting, social media, the news, dating apps, and countless other options that will take my focus and energy and deliver little or nothing in return. Smartphones have contributed to the quickening we have been living in, but they are just one prevalent symptom. There are many others.
Doing one thing at a time, with full attention / engagement feels good, and matches the rhythm of a regulated body and mind. Artist and writers will eliminate distractions, and use isolation and retreats to assure this type of focus - and what is created can carry tremendous power and timelessness. Slowing down is needed and good for us, and we must remember this even as the world moves faster and faster. Slowing down has also become harder to access. Economic factors, changing work / school expectations, and the perception that we are always “on” have made it hard to allow ourselves to just be, on a regular basis.
We are not able to have every morning be a slow morning. Many of us cannot take a vacation regularly or when needed. We can’t resist the progress and innovation of the current time period. But we can sit for 5, 10 or 20 minutes every day, just to be with our breath, just to bring focus to the body. We can integrate this period of profound rest like we might sneak in a true-crime episode, or a scrolling session. We just need an intention, and a bit of discipline, and maybe a little support.
And here’s the gift: meditators I have worked with have reported a vast array of benefits to their physical and mental experience, including:
Less reactivity
Better sleep
Not getting sick as much
A more positive outlook
Increased focus and creativity
More happiness and joy
Decreased depression / anxiety symptoms
If you are trying to find your meditation practice, keep visiting, and consider our Meditation 101 course - offered remotely, but with live, 1-on-1 sessions!