Meditation is training in the philosophy of mind and it goes against social norms. I goes against our entrenched egos and our “deep-rooted habit of self-fixation.” It is easy to find excuses for not doing it and as you do it, the ego is constantly trying to distract you. The ego can grab on to mind training and turn the ego player into some special person because he is doing “the training” and others are not. This ego is sly and tenacious.

To have any lasting effect mind training must be practiced and not just theorized. With practice, you being to see the claustrophobia of playing along with the ego and the moments of freedom from the egos automaticity, leave, if only for moments at first, relief, lightness, and even joy.

Feel what you feel, and feel it completely. Start where you are at. And start again. Keep starting as if for the first time.

Hope you have an awesome day!

Credits — Sam Harris
Credits — The 59 Lojong Slogans - Atisha's mind-training techniques. Commentary by Judy Lief Tricycle Magazine 2010

This journal is meant as a reminder to encourage my future self. Where I work on my mental fitness and ‘adulting’. A reminder to him to operate in the world with love and compassion and some tips put together in a moment of clarity to help him when he is less clear and caught up in stuff the he can’t control. Continue the conversation anytime: will@kestrelcreek.com.