Being a meditator-Personal reflection

 Being a Meditator: Where Does It Place You in Modern Society?

In today’s fast-paced world, the role of a meditator is intriguing. You aren’t a monk, yet you ponder similar questions and uphold similar values, all while being immersed in an environment teeming with ignorance, anger, violence, and other non-virtues. 

 The Foundation of a Clear Conscience

Over the years, I have learned that a clear conscience is vital for a spiritual path. The cornerstone of every meditation system is to be kind, avoid harming others and onself, speak truthfully, and live with integrity. Only on this foundation can the flower of meditation truly bloom.

Overcoming Self-Judgment in Meditation

A common hurdle many face is becoming overly critical and judgmental of themselves when they notice numerous thoughts or distractions during meditation. This is counterproductive. Seeing the bigger picture is essential here—everything is part of the process toward greater awareness. Noticing your thoughts, even if they are frequent, is a sign of progress. There is no such thing as a bad meditation.

Integrating Meditation into Daily Life

With enhanced awareness, we can see meditation seeping into our daily lives. We become aware of our feelings and thoughts as they arise, allowing us to act mindfully. Training the mind in this way brings a new dimension to our lives. We are no longer slaves to our emotions and thoughts; we observe them with kindness and compassion, understanding ourselves and our motives a little better each day.

 The Ephemeral Nature of Existence

Through years of practice, especially during silent retreats, I have glimpsed something intrinsic to the world we live in. Just as our thoughts come and go in their ephemeral nature, everything in our physical world evolves and changes. Experiencing this empirically, rather than just conceptually, can be shocking. It feels as though the world is falling apart in a second, something our conceptual mind resists. We crave constancy and stability, projecting this desire onto the world and ourselves. Yet, the truth is, there is constant movement even in the atoms themselves. Can you feel it if you make yourself quiet enough?

 Conclusion

Being a meditator in modern society places you in a unique position. You navigate a world filled with chaos while cultivating inner peace and awareness. By maintaining a clear conscience, overcoming self-judgment, integrating mindfulness into daily life, and embracing the transient nature of existence, you can lead a life of deeper understanding and compassion.