Chapter 1: The Role of Meditation in Stressful Times

In recent weeks, I have faced enough stress and anxiety to affect multiple people. A challenging family situation has left me with sleepless nights and constant worry, but I must respect the privacy of those involved. There have been conflicts and disagreements that weighed heavily on my mind.

Despite meditating daily, I found that it wasn’t enough to alleviate my stress. What truly made a difference was taking action. There comes a time when meditation serves its purpose, but sometimes, you must step in and address the situation directly. The mindfulness gained from years of consistent meditation helped me perceive the problem clearly, focus intently, and follow my intuition.

I reached out, engaged in tough conversations, and navigated through family disputes with a civil approach, even when it felt uncomfortable. I managed to release my anger most of the time and diligently sought solutions by researching the issues at hand.

So, why claim that meditation wasn’t helpful? After years of practice that have shaped my identity at 79, I recognize that meditation is not a quick remedy for immediate relief. It's a mental state cultivated through regular practice. Trying to meditate amidst anxiety often proves ineffective; a few deep breaths can be far more beneficial.

“Meditation is not a quick fix for anything.”

I continued my daily meditation routine, hoping it would calm my mind and inspire new ideas, but it fell short. I set my timer for 30 minutes but struggled to settle down, sometimes giving up after just 10 minutes. This was surprising after 25 years of Zen practice and years of daily meditation. My worries were overpowering, and the only way to quiet them was to take action.

Worry often fixates on future uncertainties, blinding us to the reality right in front of us. To address my family issues, I found that action was far more effective than meditation.

With hindsight, here’s what got me through this tough time:

Clarity

Years of meditation have sharpened my focus. However, my initial motivation for meditating was not to enhance concentration but to reach enlightenment. Over time, I learned from my teachers that seeking enlightenment while meditating would hinder my progress. They taught me to embrace the practice without the expectation of gain.

Meditation is about existing in the moment, relishing the stillness for 30 minutes daily without any goal in mind. Over time, this practice cultivates clarity, improved focus, and intuitive insights in life. You don’t have to strive for these outcomes; simply showing up to meditate daily is enough.

I am a different person than I was five years ago, thanks to my meditation practice. When unexpected changes arise, I can navigate them much more effectively than I could in the past.

Concentration

When engaging in meditation—whether focusing on your breath or adopting a broader sensory awareness—you are training your concentration, moment by moment, day by day. By committing to this practice, you develop the mental acuity needed to tackle various challenges, from family issues to creative endeavors.

In today's fast-paced world, where attention spans are short, honing strong concentration skills can give you a significant advantage, whether in programming, scientific research, management, or construction. Those who cultivate this skill will be invaluable to their teams and families.

Intuition

Intuition is the ability to grasp knowledge instinctively, without needing logical reasoning or scientific validation. It’s that gut feeling about a person or situation that just feels right—because you know it to be true.

While some believe women possess heightened intuitive abilities, everyone has this skill. Trusting my intuition has made problem-solving easier. In the past, I would often find myself surprised by unforeseen events. Now, I rely more on my instincts and am less likely to rush into decisions based on fleeting emotions.

Being attuned to your intuition enhances your life experience, akin to having a reliable advisor guiding your choices.

A Calm and Modest Life

Many people shy away from meditation because it doesn’t provide instant calm or relief. Initially, meditation can confront you with the chaotic nature of your thoughts, which can be daunting. However, this realization is crucial.

Einstein found solace in solitary walks and sailing, requiring immense concentration and mental stillness to conceive groundbreaking theories. In a world filled with distractions, meditation can guide you toward a more centered existence.

As Albert Einstein wisely noted, "A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness."

The first video titled "Meditation/Dhamma is NOT a 'Quick Fix' to Feel Better" discusses the importance of understanding meditation as a long-term practice rather than a quick solution to immediate problems.

The second video "Meditation is Not Just a Quick Fix but a Long-Term Remedy" explores the enduring benefits of meditation and its role in fostering resilience and mental clarity over time.