Chapter 1: Embracing the Journey of Meditation

When starting out in meditation, one crucial insight is highlighted in The Mind Illuminated: to cultivate a habit, we must discover what makes meditation enjoyable. This sounds ideal, but many, like myself, often confront feelings of fatigue, tension, pain, and an overwhelming desire to escape.

Even those who aren't struggling can find that a simple delve into their subconscious can trigger a flood of unresolved emotions. My own meditation practice has faced numerous setbacks due to this. It suggests that we might need an extraordinary source of joy—something that can elevate our usual experiences and transform them entirely, without any resistance.

This transformation is encapsulated in the Buddhist term virya, which signifies heroism or vigor. Classical texts, such as the Jewel Ornament, describe it as a mindset that revels in virtuous actions. It's the joy derived from engaging in challenging work, knowing that the effort contributes positively, not just to future outcomes, but is inherently valuable in the present moment.

What could be more uplifting than the act of simply being mindful? Despite the psycho-somatic discomfort that can arise during meditation, we shouldn't attribute blame to the practice itself. Instead, we must acknowledge that being awake merely reveals the accumulated baggage we carry, which can often be obscured by distractions. But how long can we continue to avoid facing this?

To cleanse our minds and attain inner bliss, a profound examination of our consciousness is essential. This ongoing process of reflection and awareness must continue until we achieve clarity. In one of the Buddha's most renowned teachings on mindfulness, it is suggested that consistent practice can lead to liberation from suffering within a timeframe ranging from seven days to seven years, depending on one’s diligence and persistence.

The psychology behind this is straightforward. According to Vipassana teacher SN Goenka, our minds are akin to ropes: every reaction based on craving, aversion, or ignorance creates a twist. Observing our thoughts with detachment allows us to untwist this rope. However, if we become anxious and try to rush the unwinding process, we risk further complications.

A study has shown that around 60% of participants reported at least one adverse effect from meditation, ranging from anxiety to severe psychological distress. Therefore, it’s vital to approach meditation gradually—starting with just five minutes at a time, progressively increasing the duration as you find enjoyment and develop skill.

As you navigate this path, remember that the challenges you encounter can serve as valuable teachers. If the idea of sensory deprivation or focusing your attention feels daunting, consider how an outsider might perceive this behavior—a creature perpetually seeking stimulation, trapped in a cycle of past experiences. They would likely feel a sense of compassion for us.

In truth, your mind is not your identity; it is merely a facet of experience that holds the key to reshaping your reality. You have the choice to either align it with your anxieties or dismantle those patterns to achieve inner peace.

I hope to gradually find less satisfaction in the former, as I recognize the darkness and delusion that my mind can harbor. It often feels like a factory of suffering, not a space for comfort. My intention is to invest more awareness into my existence, liberating myself from the urge to mask my feelings.

Eventually, I aspire to reach a point where I can claim ownership of my mind, rather than being controlled by it—a situation many of us find ourselves in, often without realizing it. Moreover, if the metaphorical rope of our thoughts becomes untangled, it might serve a purpose in the world after all.

In the first video, Guided Meditation: Not-Knowing; Attitudes (3 of 5) From Aversion to Curiosity, we explore how shifting from aversion to curiosity can open up a new realm of meditation practice. This guided session encourages embracing uncertainty with an open heart.

Chapter 2: Cultivating Mindfulness

In the next segment, we delve deeper into the theme of aversion in mindfulness practice through the video Guided Meditation: "No" with Love; Intro to Mindfulness Pt 2 (2) The Hindrance of Aversion. This session introduces mindfulness techniques that help address and transform feelings of aversion, fostering a more compassionate approach to our thoughts and feelings.