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Lullabyehaze — 12 years ago — permalink

Yep. Not that I'm going to be preachy about it, but I think that everyone should meditate. Also, many people say "_______ is my meditation." For example, "running is my meditation." Again, not to judge, but running can be meditative, swimming can be meditative, and I'm sure that there are others...but none of these is the same as stopping your busy motion and sitting still. I think the world would be a more calm and happy place if more people meditated.

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davidbhayes — 12 years ago — permalink

I think your point about meditative vs meditation is really interesting. I've been on both sides of that debate in my life, and I'm mostly closer to the position you express now. I don't deny you can be mindful anywhere, and you can get better at mindfulness doing anything.
But I appeal to a sports analogy to explain the difference. You can get better at a sport by just participating in active games. Playing basketball or soccer with your friends or in a competitive environment. But for concentrated improvement, you've got to take a break from that kind of environment and really make sure you master all the fundamentals. Deliberate practice is one of the keys to really excelling at something. And in the sport of mindfulness, practicing your ability to head a ball or master your shooting form is done by finding a rather quiet place and being still there, holding your awareness carefully.

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