It is really rather funny when you think about it. The human mind is the single most complicated discrete thing that we know of in the universe. We marvel at the achievements made possible by the collective work of these awesome organs. Yet, as has been known for millennia, quieting these powerful tools is at the heart of purpose, of meaning, of awareness. I, at least, find this hilarious.
Speaking from experience I can attest to the difficulty in achieving this goal for more than a minute or two. I have been (sort of half-assed much of the time) practicing meditation for most of my life. I have no way of knowing how representative my particular brain is. But I can honestly say that if I can truly quiet my brain for a minute or two at a time it is a near miracle.
I have rarely ever gone beyond simple breath counting as a method. Furthermore, I read a long time ago that counting should only cycle through, say four and then repeat (ad infinitum). Counting higher and higher I’ve read can result in unproductive competition. I have found that for me, when I do count above four it is because I have actually drifted off onto some fixed point, idea, or rumination. I have also mixed meditating on a single word, like “love” with some success. I suggest also including yoga sutra work in this pursuit but the constant guidance from the instructor is problematic for true mindfulness, for me at least.
Quieting the mind is awareness. Quieting the mind is living in the present moment. Quieting the mind is honest. It is living. It is compassionate, abundant, ever-available and free! Quieting the mind reduces international conflict, it cleans the air and water, and improves grades, pulmonary circulation, and congressional ratings! I believe that it may be without down-side.
Notice that television is not quieting the mind. Neither is listening to classical music. Quieting the mind is not prime rib or even a bowl of rice. Quieting the mind cannot be communicated. It is without question a path and not a destination. Quieting the mind isn’t even holding a loved one, though I see no reason why quieting the mind could not include holding a loved one.
Certainly, behavioral disorders and substance abuse interfere with mindfulness. So do unhealthy relationships and unhealthy bodies and homelessness. Extreme noise and pain and gluttony don’t help either. If we were able to construct an all-inclusive list of impediments or distractions and each of us had (an infinite amount of) time to check off our personal challenges we would find that each list would be unique. Some would have hundreds or thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of tick marks while other would (likely) have only a few dozen. I would venture a guess that my list would be shorter than that of the average survey taker, as I really believe that I am fortunate, and as such responsible to share with others. But, the biggest impediment to quieting the mind is without doubt not beginning practicing quieting the mind in the first place. Get to it, you will thank yourself later!
