In western culture, inactivity is seen as unproductive and lazy.  Anyone who is idle for too long, without producing something, is seen as ineffective.  Activity is prized over everything, regardless of whether that activity promotes growth, either personal or global. It’s important to note that even inactivity from an entertainment perspective is valued more than actual sitting in silence.  For example, in the United States it is deemed more favorable to watch a 30 minute situation comedy than to watch a sunset.  

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As a meditation teacher and practitioner, there is one question that I get asked frequently.

How do I learn to meditate the right way?

The very question lends itself to understanding, not only the reason to meditate, but what meditation is.

Let me start with the reason to meditate.  I am going to talk about the main reason many people decide to meditate, not discuss all them.  I bring that up because there are so many reasons to start a practice, which is exactly why meditation is so valuable.  It is beneficial for a variety of purposes: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

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Regardless of who you are, you react.  You spill coffee on a shirt or blouse; you react.  Somebody races past you on the highway; you react.  You can't find your wallet or purse; you react.  These reactions aren't usually followed by laughter or smiles either.  Most times when you react, it's out of anger, frustration or fear.  

Why are you always reacting?  Because you don't know any other way of being.

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