"The Process Of Meditation"
Staying in The Meditation Zone

Meaning awareness, the process of meditation is ongoing. When we're done, you will understand the meditation zone and how to benefit from your mind in everyday situations.

The relaxation exercises enter the mind-brain-body chain of command through the body.

Meditation exercises (and techniques) focus primarily on the command central, the mind/brain.

Yes, I know it sounds quirky to speak of the mind-brain-body. But in this way it's easier to see and understand the feedback and functions between these main components which make up who and what you are - a human being.

Now let's clarify what the mind-brain is and get to the center and process of meditation.

The Mind-Brain Ping-Pong Process

Simplified, the mind interprets what the brain processes.

For example, now your brain is processing – reading – these words while steering the accompanying necessary motor functions (e.g. eye movement, finger scrolling the mouse button, scratching your head...).

Your mind interprets the meaning of the words. Some researchers call this a first-person (brain)/third-person (mind) interaction.

For our purpose, let's refer to the brain as the center for mantra/concentration and the mind as the potential center for interpretation/mindfulness.

Now let's illustrate this interaction through a ping-pong analogy.

Your brain is responsible for the physical movements and the raw data you process while you're playing – seeing the ball come at you, the physical movements into proper position, hitting the ball...

Focusing on it, the ball is your mantra.

Your mind, since you love playing ping-pong and therefore are passionately and completely engaged in the activity, is presently silent, thriving, at one with the ever-processing brain.

You are in the zone/process of meditation. This zone is the center of meditation and the center of peak performance. The peak performance zone is thus a perfect meditative state of mind.

But how do you make it last?

Staying in The Zone/ Process of Meditation

Let's see how that happens. Back to the ping-pong zone...

You're completely lost in the game, loving it, and then... you miss a shot. Dang! Now your mind interprets what went wrong, possibly giving negative feedback on your shot, or possibly, if you've had a string of bad shots, projecting that negative feedback onto your entire performance.

Perhaps it's even screaming that you're a complete loser! (But you are never a loser).

Mindfulness now detaches your self from such negative, harmful interpretations. Instead, you gently return your attention to the game at hand.

If you failed to become mindful, your mantra would probably become "Complete Loser" instead of "Play ball."

Not so good for your peak performance...

You see how powerful and wise mindfulness is? Especially for goal-oriented, attached people, mindful meditation is crucial. Missing a shot, a mindful person still retains his calm focus and learns from mistakes.

Internal Interaction: "The Marriage Within"

Mindful detachment from conflict leads to a shift in perspective, less fear and anger, less stress, and a re-adjustment in focus (mantra).

Practiced over time this leads to a more intimate relationship. You are showing compassion for yourself. In turn you are able to show mindful and focused love and compassion for other people.

An emotional, fluctuating relationship, the process of meditation is one of powerful unity, of unconditional love and compassion. This relationship is obviously with you wherever you go, whether you're sitting still or are engaged in a fierce game of ping-pong.

The Process of Meditation - Beyond Words

But I emphasize gently turning your attention back to your meditation exercises.

When you register disturbances from your inner voice, you gently let them go. You become aware of these disturbances but you don't entertain them.

And remain calm and detached from thoughts and sensations. They're impermanent, they come and go just as our breath, as life itself. Mindfulness.

If it helps, pretend that there aren't any words and that you are your own ancient ancestor.

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