A couple of days ago I switched out my daily meditation for an hour of yoga – and while it was good to return to yoga, the following day’s meditation was more of a challenge as my mind stayed scattered for longer than usual. It’s an interesting study on how just one day of meditation can make a difference, at least for me. Without that 29-minute window within a 24-hour cycle, thoughts and tensions and stresses accumulated with no acknowledgment or reconciliation. The next time I meditated, it was more of a challenge to slip into that empty expanse of calm. Thoughts scattered and rushed across my mind – a deluge of minor worries spilling over each other – with plans and schedules and reminders of a new work week clamoring for attention as well.
A few minutes in, I nodded at what was happening, accepting the chaotic firing of neurons and bridging of synapses, and instantly my meditation calmed. Focus returned to my breathing, the usual mental markers appeared, the clear expanse of an open mind slowly revealed itself again, and the calm serenity of a typical meditation session was restored.
