I have been trying to meditate I have so much clutter I can’t clear away
—Nancy Smith, USA
Dear Nancy,
Here are some suggestions:
Be sure you are using effective techniques such as the ones which Paramhansa Yogananda taught. For instance, the Hong-Sau Technique is quite well suited to dealing with a cluttered mind. This technique simply brings our focus to the breath and the internal sounds of Hong Sau. When learned properly, you’ll find you can move past distracting thoughts and dive deep within to an expanding sense of peace and calmness.
It’s also a good thing to include chanting as part of your spiritual practices. Chanting can take the tendency of the mind to be in thoughts and direct the mind to be more one-pointed. Chanting also has the aspect of devotion which can be very helpful in going beyond thoughts.
Here is an encouraging quote from Paramhansa Yogananda, from the book, The Essence of Self-Realization: “Don’t feel badly if you find yourself too restless to meditate deeply. Calmness will come in time, if you practice regularly. Just never accept the thought that meditation is not for you. Remember, calmness is your eternal, true nature.”
In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Pranaba
