| I have been practicing meditation now for over | | | | recommendations for you. |
| 20 years. In these 2 decades plus, I have | | | | 1. Start small: Don't try to sit in meditation for one |
| explored much of the spiritual landscape and | | | | hour a day right off the bat. It will simply be too |
| discovered many of the profound treasures | | | | much. Although you initial burst of inspiration may |
| hidden there. Also, during this time I have made | | | | get you to do that much at first, it will be very |
| my share of mistakes and seen others make | | | | hard to sustain that intensity over the long term. |
| theirs. In this article I want to help you avoid | | | | The benefits of meditation are not instantaneous, |
| repeating the biggest mistake with regard to | | | | they are acquired over time so a consistent |
| establishing a deep and strong daily meditation | | | | practice is a must. Therefore, start with what |
| practice. | | | | you can easily manage and then build up from |
| It is the mistake of endless procrastination. So | | | | there. This will help you enjoy your practice more |
| let's understand this detrimental behavior and also, | | | | and also, procrastinate it less. |
| how to change it, so that it can be removed as | | | | 2. Create a meditation space: Create a small |
| an obstacle forever. | | | | space in your home which you will use for your |
| The Mistake of Procrastination: | | | | meditation practice. Keep everything there ready, |
| Lord Buddha said, "There are only 2 mistakes you | | | | so it is easy and inviting for you to start your |
| can make in life. First mistake is not to take the | | | | daily session. Place there whatever inspires you |
| first step, and the second, is that having taken | | | | and also keep there your cushions etc., so that |
| the first step, to not go all the way." | | | | when it's time for your practice there is little you |
| I am amazed how few take the first step. Many | | | | have to do in order to get it started. This will go a |
| people who talk and read about religion, spirituality, | | | | long way in preventing thoughts the opportunity |
| zen, yoga, meditation, etc. never actually start a | | | | to dissuade you from getting your daily spiritual |
| personal meditation program. They even come to | | | | work in. |
| me and discuss these matters in great detail, but, | | | | 3. Stop procrastinating in general: Procrastination is |
| never get down to doing it. Meditation, in this | | | | really a disease. It will delay and prevent you from |
| regard, is just like exercise, you can read every | | | | living your life completely. So, stop this habit, not |
| book on fitness, but, until you break a sweat you | | | | just in the context of your meditation practice, |
| will have zero benefits. | | | | but in general. Try your very best to do what |
| There are many profound and now medically | | | | needs to be done right away without concern for |
| recognized benefits of meditation. More and more | | | | mood. Just move from one activity that requires |
| evidence is emerging about how meditation helps | | | | your attention to the next, answering the call of |
| reduce stress, cure diseases, increase | | | | the moment and you will find yourself building up |
| concentration, enhance brain capacity and improve | | | | terrific momentum. |
| the quality of your life, but, to enjoy these | | | | This momentum then will spill over into all aspects |
| benefits you need to practice. All the reading and | | | | of your life, including the most important, your |
| talking in the world will not help, you need to get | | | | daily meditation practice. The more you do things |
| busy doing it. | | | | as soon as the time is right, the more you will find |
| Solution to Procrastination: | | | | yourself free of the disease of procrastination. |
| There are several steps you can take which | | | | Free of this disease, your life will open up, your |
| should help you end the habit of procrastinating | | | | meditation practice will blossom and you will |
| your meditation practice and begin. Here are these | | | | certainly fulfill your highest destiny. |