Meditation habits and tips

[Lighthead]

I also think that when people meditate, they get into this habit where they think they have to suppress their thoughts. I think that that is a very nefarious myth that has permeated the minds of those who attempt to meditate, in a subtle way. I would say, if anything, that we should experiment with our thoughts when we meditate. For example, lately while I meditate, I try to even make my thoughts as forceful as possible. I don't break a sweat or anything, but we shouldn't try to stuff our thoughts down or anything. If my mind wants to go this way, I just say, go that way. It seems like the opposite thing that you should do, but, in a weird way, it conditions your mind in a positive way.

That's why I don't like how mindfulness emphasizes that when your mind gets distracted, that you have to go back to your center. That's a subtle way of demonizing your thoughts. Your conscious mind doesn't get it, but your subconscious mind knows exactly what's going on. It starts to make you think that this state of mind is good and that state of mind is bad. That's like black and white thinking. If you let your mind follow its natural course, it eventually gets quiet and goes to unity.

That's why I like shikantaza so much with its emphasis on, let your mind do whatever. The only thing is that I don't think it's appropriate to mentally do anything that requires too much concentration, like a math equation or anything like that. I've actually been tempted to do stuff like that while I'm meditating and that's where I definitely put the brakes on. That kind of thing really distracts.