When I meditate on the weekend, I find it not-too-hard to concentrate on Hong Sau and enter a calm state. But as soon as I get back to work, when I sit down to meditate my mind becomes restless, replaying moments I’ve had during the week. Thus I’m more prone to falling into a passive state and it’s harder to exert will-power to stay alert. How can I overcome this? As a side note, the nature of my work is mentally demanding but I always enjoy it with the consciousness that I am serving God.
—Chris, UK
Dear Chris,
It is a wonderful attitude you have in doing your work to serve and please God. That goes a long way in helping you keep the uplifted state and be in God’s Presence, then to be able to receive inner guidance on improving meditation efforts during a busy week.
Because of your efforts to keep that state of uplifted consciousness, you will begin to refine your techniques and more easily be able to stop the ever-busy thoughts and restless replays of the mind. You will soon feel more energy to concentrate during the workweek when you sit to meditate.
Here are some practical ideas on how to improve concentration and overcome passiveness you experience. Concentration means to take your mind off of many things and putting it on one thing at a time. Some suggestions: Avoid too much sensory input when you can. Limit social media and a loud environment, as they can develop restless habits of non-attention. Make a point to do one thing at a time. Practice the Energization Exercises, which will help focus your physical energy. Breathe deeply, and watch your breathe. As you observe your breathing (during daily activity, as well as in meditation), the breath slows down and so will your thoughts. You will remain refreshed and uplifted, more attentive. Thoughts will become dynamically peaceful, less sleepy. Learn to be calmly concentrated and concentratedly calm.
Most of all, love God and talk to God in the language of your heart and make Him your constant companion. Ask Him “Should I do this?”, “Should I do that?” He can then guide your thoughts, choices and everyday activity. By doing everything with God and for God and because of God you will carry a more focused connection into your workweek meditations. Any effort you make toward your goal of better meditations is always met with blessings, grace, and help from the Infinite!
Many blessings,
Nayaswami Hassi
