Exercise and meditation are remarkably similar.
Both require focused attention,
Dedication,
Education and practice.
Both are tremendously beneficial to our physical and mental health.
And both require a level of faith.
When we lift some weights,
Go for a run or stretch,
We do so with the knowledge that we will not see immediate results.
We know that it will take months before the weight starts to come off,
Or before we notice a significant uptick in our coordination,
Strength or fitness levels.
Yet despite this,
We still train.
We have faith that if we put in the effort now,
We will be rewarded later.
Based on experience and the example of others,
We know that there is a lag between actions and rewards.
This gives us the confidence or faith that if we exercise,
We will also see similar results.
The same is true for meditation.
There is a lag between starting and seeing the results of our practice.
It may take months before we start to notice any positive impact.
Thus,
We need to have faith in the method,
The instructor and ourselves.
Based on the experience and examples of others,
We know that there is a lag between actions and rewards.
This gives us the confidence or faith that if we exercise,
We will also see similar results.
The same is true for meditation.
There is a lag between starting and seeing the results of our practice.
It may take months before we start to notice any positive impact.
Thus,
We need to have faith in the method,
The instructor and ourselves.
We need to turn up and practice each day,
Knowing that in time the benefits of our efforts will eventually compound.
So please,
Do not get discouraged if it feels like nothing is happening.
Because like exercise,
It takes time and consistency.
And like exercise,
It's often those around you who will notice the changes first.
You may start hearing comments addressing your happier mood,
Or that you seem calmer or more focused.
Or perhaps you'll find yourself less in need of intoxicants,
Sugar or other similar distractions.
Maybe your performance at work or school will start to improve,
Or you'll simply be on your game more.
So have some faith in your practice and just keep going.
Typically,
It will take around one to three months of consistent daily meditation before you really begin to see the benefits.
And once you feel them for yourself,
You will no longer need these words to motivate you to continue.
This talk was taken from the book,
Mindfulness,
A guidebook to the present moment.
