“You’re not serious about this, are you?” The look, tone and expression on Divya’s face conveyed a singular message: “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Frustrated at not having a single moment to relax, Divya expected sympathy and understanding – not some outrageous solution about going on an inner journey to the source of peace and joy within.
“I want joy outside, all around me, not somewhere inside!”
Well, if it’s not inside, it’s not going to come outside, is it?
“So how do you get in there? What do you have to do? Sit straight, close your eyes, not move an inch and look serious? Are you sure that is how you find this joy inside?”
We don’t know about the ‘serious’ part, but yes, this is a good place to start.
Who doesn’t need a break, after all? And if that break were to leave you rejuvenated and fresh as a daisy, you would want to keep taking it again and again, isn’t it? Well then, make a start - take a break, meditate!
Meditation is for the young, surprisingly
Time to burst a common meditation myth which goes something like this: meditation is only meant for old people who have a lot of free time at hand and who have “seen-it-all, done-it-all”. The fact is: meditation is a simple and natural practice meant for people of all age groups, starting from as early as eight- or nine-year-olds.
Anu Parekh, the mother of a twelve-year-old, shares ecstatically about how her son’s personality changed after meditation. “My son used to be so restless that it was impossible to take him out anywhere. He would never sit still at one place. Since he has started meditating, he’s become calm and quiet. There are no more complaints from his school either!”
So that settles the ‘age excuse’. And now for the most common complaint of all times – where’s the time? Meditation is just going to take you 20 minutes and you don’t need to always go by fixed timings.
Although it’s a good idea to meditate twice a day, morning and evening, if you can’t – do it at any other time of the day, as convenient. You are sure to find a quiet corner somewhere for a few minutes.
Meditation is a lot of fun, actually
So you think how on earth is sitting all by yourself with eyes closed fun?
Consider this: when you start finding your own company so interesting, it will be much easier for you to be a fun company to others.
For Mauli Dutta, a graduation student, it was a 180 degree change after she started meditating - “I was an introvert in school, with barely any friends at all. When I did the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation Course two years ago, things took a U-turn. People want to be friends with me in college now; they say that I’m fun to be with. I make everyone laugh. My whole personality has changed. I still can’t believe myself!”
To get more fun rolling, try meditating with a group of friends. It has much more impact. But if you can’t, don’t worry! Remember that you don’t need to depend on somebody else anymore for your enjoyment. You have your own company to look forward to. Interesting, yes?
Meditation is for the intelligent, basically
You are born intelligent, then why waste time hankering after unimportant things? What someone said (or did not say), getting pushed around in a circle of compliments and brickbats.
It’s time to break out of the circle and stop becoming a football of other’s opinions. When you meditate, you gain the ability to make your own decisions and find the best way to move forward – this is a sign of intelligence. An intelligent man would know that meditation can give him what he needs.
Meditation is your best friend, really
Did you know that finding a true friend in today’s times can be as easy as closing your eyes? In meditation, you connect with your Self and a few minutes every day can be such a soothing and joyful experience as spending quality time with your best friend.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “Befriend the truth (divine) and the whole world is yours”. Sonia Singh, a young entrepreneur agrees. In her words, “Being a businesswoman, it is easier to make rivals than friends. Earlier I used to get bothered by criticism and comments from all kinds of people. But now I lose myself and my emotions in meditation. When I feel upset or alone, I close my eyes and suddenly I feel so loved and cared for. I am my own friend now,” she beams.
Whether you are happy or not so happy, make meditation a part of your daily routine. You will notice that with regular practice, you just start feeling cheerful for no special reason.
As they say, some friends bring the best in you, some the worst. Make meditation your best friend and see the best in you blossom.
So why wait? Let’s meditate and start the fun rolling! Try a few online guided meditations by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar or join the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation Course to get your own personal mantra to meditate. With mantra meditation, joy comes as easy as ABC!
Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's wisdom talks
Graphics by Niladry Dutta
