It is like being caught without your classics. “Have you read ‘The Good Earth’ / ‘Area of Darkness’ / ‘The Lying Days’?” asks a pest at a party. You get defensive, mumble “Mmm, a long time ago, re member it vaguely,” and go for a refill. You make a note to read them, some day. It never arrives.
It’s much the same with meditation. “Why don’t you try yoga and meditation? Will help your back/skin /marriage /stomach cramps.” Sure, you nod, and bookmark it in memory. And read about it from cartoonists. It’s ok. It’s clean, satvik, vegetarian fun. Sample these.
Meditation is dreaming without content. Meditation – you have the right to remain silent. Life is hard – it’s breathe, breathe, breathe, all the time. “And how’s your son? Is he still unemployed?” “He is, but he’s meditating now.” “Meditating? What’s that?” “I don’t know. But it’s better than sitting around and doing nothing!”
Meditate well, you sleep well. There’s increased blood flow to all parts of the body. You think better, clearer, feel fresh. Calming down helps allergies and asthmatic conditions, stimulates hormonal activity. With Alpha waves you sail to heightened levels of wakefulness, increased alertness and deep relaxation. Bliss! Meditation helps improve relationships.
You aren’t angry or stressed! The benefits of meditation are your birthright, whether you are Buddhist, Christian, Confucian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Taoist, follow some other religion, or none at all.