Most of us begin a practice expecting to find some relief from stress or pain or to become more creative, successful and/or peaceful. These are all excellent expectations and they are entirely appropriate.
However, after teaching many students all over the world (basically), I’ve seen that there are additional things you can expect that you may not have thought of before. In the first video above, I talk a bit about them.
You can expect:
1. To find greater mental clarity
2. That your heart will soften
3. To be bored
4. To wonder if you really, truly need to follow all of the instructions
5. To discover fearlessness
6. That, if you stick with it, meditation will change your life
Good luck!
Please practice!
Susan, great list!
Let’s see. #1, not sure if I’m feeling that one yetâmaybe I’m just so clear already
#2 yes yes yes! In a big way, and starting with myself. Tons of acceptance of what is, less frustration and discouragement (health stuff primarily)
#3 yup. And thanks for including this one! Validates my oh-so-human experience!
#4 Not so much. Maybe because I’m working with your ten-minute meditation series and in fact there aren’t that many instrux.
#5 Ooh I can’t wait for this one. Or maybe the softening in #2 is the gateway. I am in fact feeling less fear-full. Guess that puts me on the path to fear-less.
#6. Yup, I’m motivated! Addicts (lucky for me I’m a recovering one) are really good at making habits. And meditation is getting to be more and more a daily one for me.
Thanks for your input and presence and help in my life!
Yay!
Loved reading your answers!!
I like how you mentioned boredom. My experience is that if I am bored during meditation, what I’m really meditating on is all of the other mischievous things I want to do other than meditation
One thing to add to the list – you can expect to have more time during the day.
That is a great point about boredom! And I like your addition…