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Meditation is simply about training the mind to be more present from "summary" of The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe
Meditation is often seen as something mystical or mysterious, but it is actually quite simple. At its core, meditation is about training the mind to be more present. It is not about controlling our thoughts or trying to stop them altogether, but rather about learning to be aware of them without getting caught up in them. By training the mind to be more present, we can cultivate a sense of clarity and calm that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life with more ease. When we talk about being present, we are talking about being fully engaged in the present moment, rather than being lost in thoughts about the past or future. This is not always easy, as our minds have a tendency to wander. Meditation helps us to cultivate the skill of bringing our attention back to the present moment whenever we notice that it has drifted off. One of the key elements of meditation is learning to observe our thoughts without judgment. This means seeing our thoughts for what they are – just thoughts – rather than getting caught up in their content. By observing our thoughts in this way, we can start to see patterns and habits that may be causing us unnecessary stress or suffering. Another important aspect of meditation is learning to be kind to ourselves. This means being gentle and patient with ourselves as we navigate the ups and downs of our practice. It also means being compassionate towards ourselves when we notice that our minds have wandered off, rather than berating ourselves for not being "good" at meditation.- Meditation is a practice that can help us develop a greater sense of self-awareness, compassion, and resilience. It is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth. By training our minds to be more present, we can learn to live more fully in each moment, no matter what life may throw our way.
