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davidbhayes — 13 years ago — permalink

I certainly sometimes feel like I'm dragging myself onto the cushion. I have a strong commitment to sit everyday, and I take it quite seriously, so that means I'm not always eager to meditate when it comes up.
For me, I think it's really valuable to get in the habit of meditating, as that means you both do it regularly and you don't have to "surprise" yourself with it when you occasionally think you should do it. That may just be how it works for me, though. Once I get over that initial hurdle of "yep, you're doing it" though, any sense of obligation melts and I remember why I endeavor to do it regularly.

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Formlessness — 13 years ago — permalink

A chore has a goal or a purpose in mind. Meditation, however, is its own goal. It should be done not for the sake of something else, but for its own sake. In this sense, meditation is more like dancing, or hugging a friend.
People meditate for all sorts of reasons, to become less stressed, or attain spiritual enlightenment. But these goals, when the mind clings to them, distract from the meditation. Meditate anyway, regardless of what goals you have, and it won't be a chore but a joy. If all things in life were done for their own sake, your whole life would be one continuous meditation.

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