Thought-free state
Status quo in the realm of meditation
We hear a lot of talk about meditation and its undoubted positive effects on the mind. But what kind of meditation are we practicing? Usually, it’s something like this. We light incense, sit down in a comfortable position on the floor or chair, and start thinking about making the mind free of thought. But what happens? Boredom sets in, and sometimes we even fall asleep.
Why it doesn’t work
In my opinion, this is a passive form of meditation, and not suitable for people who like to do something. Meditation seems boring, naturally. But there is an alternative; active meditation.
Rather than telling your mind (the constantly active monkey that it is) to keep quiet and settle down, why not go along with it? Play along.
The method
Take a book and a pen, and just begin writing. Absolutely whatever thought that comes. Be careful not to judge your thoughts. Let them flow. However nonsensical, illogical or weird they are, they are your thoughts. Continue writing until you feel at peace. Let go of your innermost desires and judgements made about others and yourself.
This active meditation can work through typing as well, but there is a sense of sacredness to putting a fountain pen to paper, at least for me.
Final note
Through daily application of this meditation, which may seem like journaling or writing a diary, no doubt, you will achieve clarity towards many things in your life, whether it’s your dreams, your fears, your strengths, or your takeaways/lessons from day-to-day events.