To really change, give up all attempts at self-improvement
October 17, 2011 | 5 Comments[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/30680348[/vimeo]
It is quite natural to begin a meditation practice because you want to change or improve something about your life. Otherwise, why would you even try it? Of course you want to be less stressed, more patient, boost your confidence, feel less pain of all sorts. Your meditation practice will definitely help with these things–but only if you give up any and all agendas for change.
The greatest changes come when you stop trying to change yourself and instead extend the hand of friendship to yourself, exactly as you are right now. When you cease to view meditation as an attempt at self-improvement and see it instead as an exercise in self-acceptance, the gifts come pouring in.
This video goes outlines the 3 steps for making meditation spiritual rather than self-help.
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Let me hear your thoughts! Questions!
categorized in: meditation, open heart project
5 Comments
Your wisdom and generosity in sharing it never fails to lift me up!
THANK YOU
So happy to hear this.
“The greatest changes come when you stop trying to change yourself and instead extend the hand of friendship to yourself, exactly as you are right now. When you cease to view meditation as an attempt at self-improvement and see it instead as an exercise in self-acceptance, the gifts come pouring in.”
Wow. That really made me stop and rethink my practice. Self-acceptance, not self-improvement.
How wonderful.
Namaste. Thank you Susan.