Meditation is Accountability for the Mind

Meditation provides space between thoughts and words. It provides space between emotions and reactions. It turns reactions into conscious actions. Our minds are almost always telling us stories, which often originate from things like fears, insecurities, or anxieties. These stories often assign ourself as the main character (hello ego), but this story is likely not based in truth. It’s usually based in emotion and assumption — both products of the thinking mind.

When we meditate, we create stillness, which opens enough space for us to notice the stories and reactions playing in our minds. We can then begin the process of inquiry — questioning the mind and deciding which roles we actually want to play in our storyline.

Do I really want to be reading a bunch of triggering news articles every day just to put my mind in a loop about how fucked up the world is? Or maybe instead I could have 1-2 meaningful conversations with real humans.

Do I really want to be scrolling social media and being reminded of how inferior I feel about myself? Or maybe I could go outside, take a few deep breaths, and remind myself that I am worthy of receiving the blessings that come with discipline.

Do I really want to keep living in the past and projecting into the future? What would it feel like to be right here, right now instead?

These are just a few examples of explorations that each of us can use to support ourselves in our own growth. As always, we can allow it to be a practice without attachment to results or destinations. The practice of mindfulness in itself is a worthy destination.