Hi all,

I've read the book and learnt so much from it.
I've been reading on this forum for a little while now, but this is my first post.

I meditate twice a day for about a year now and I've made some progress in my habits and behavoir.

But I notice during meditation that one week I am sharp as hell and the next week my mind is wandering all around and I can't get it still for more than half a minute.
This process has been going on for the last few months.

I kinda got the feeling that this is normal, I'm not really the worrying type.

Has anybody else experienced something like this?
Or could it be that (I don't take sugar anymore) a kitkat and a cola could make such a difference?

Yes, variations like you describe are normal. These kind of variations are exactly what you are working to negate. If you believe that this minor dietary item can interfere, it will. It all comes down to what you think. If you believe that you can only meditate successfully facing East (make your own choice of favored direction) and sitting on your special meditation cushion purchased from and blessed by Joe the guru, then that is the only way that it will work. If you believe that you can successfully meditate while jogging or driving or washing dishes (eyes open for all of course) and you practice it until you can, then you can. Stilling your mind does not require any special conditions other than stilling your mind. Still your mind and you can participate in sports or martial arts from that center of quiet. You can be more reactive from that point than any other, reacting without conscious thought to the circumstances. Blocking punches without even being aware that they have been initiated. Not to say that I have done so. I was never that athletic. I'm just pointing out what can be done and that there are many kinds of active meditation.

A year is a good start but hardly a long time at something like meditation. Plan on a lifetime for mastery and then be pleased when it only takes 5 years to become relatively proficient.

Ted

Try to avoid eating some time before meditation. What do you mean with "(I don't take sugar anymore)", a kitkat and cola contains loads of sugar, which will make the meditation much more difficult. Dietary intake could be the problem. You can easily experiment with this.. When you meditate either note it down what you have eaten and how long ago, and then see the results and note them down. If it's the culprit, it will quickly become obvious to you.

Cool that you have been at it for a year, good job! :-)

Hi ksh, and welcome to Tom's MBT discussion boards. :)
Love to you and yours,
Bette

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All That Is
what is?
Consciousness.

Thanks for your response, this is what I thought aswell. I Just wanted to check, sometimes it feels like I am downgrading compared to a couple of days ago.



Then that's what I'll do ;)



Well, I generally don't take sugar, except when someone offers me it.
It kinda is a social thing, explaining to people why I don't take sugar seems farfetched to the average person.
I tend to be carefull with those things, some people can't be comfortable when I say I never drink cola.
I might add I am 20 years old, so that you get the idea of the people I hang out with.

You always have a choice. You can choose to follow the herd and try to keep the ego feeling "safe" or walk your own path and truly learn something. Stand your ground if that is your intentions. It doesn't have to be weird, just say no thanks. Do the best you can!

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As Sliver says, you do have options. But it isn't called "The Warriors Path" for nothing. Its not an easy path.

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LOVE is the answer

peace
patrick

Patrick,

Meditation is not specific to the warrior's path. Why would it be? Think about it.

Ted

I was referring to what sliver said:



There are people that will have hostile reactions towards anyone that wants to be different, think for themselves, or just isn't satisfied with following "the herd" mentality. It can sometimes feel like we are outnumbered, and other times it can feel like we are all just like "crabs in a bucket", and if one crab gets close to escape, the others will pull him back in.

I myself began the process of discovery while I was in my 20s. And there was a conflict within me between what I felt to be true in my heart, and what I saw in the way people behaves towards one another. There is a good deal of "peer pressure" to be like everyone else. And there is some internal desires to "fit in". I found myself walking along a very thin line most of the time. Its like walking along the "razors edge".

I discovered years (decades) later that there were quite a few people in my crowd that truly appreciated my approach to life and my ability to remain "true to myself"

I know that there is a lot more to the "Warriors path" then just this aspect, but rejection and even the risk of ostracism is part of the struggle. The "battle" is fought on 2 fronts Externally as well as internally. courage will be required.

The process of ego deflation can be painful and humiliating at times.

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LOVE is the answer

peace
patrick

Sorry, I missed a turn in the path. I was still thinking the thread was about meditation. What you say is true as the thread is developing. Much the same path I have followed in my life as you describe it.

Ted