MEDITATION = HONESTY
We recently spent a few weeks on the topic of progress. In yoga asana, it's straightforward to measure progress in strength, flexibility and balance. A complex posture that incorporates all three in an explicit (flashy!) way is Eka Pada Koundinyasana. It takes time and patience to achieve, and once it's there, it actually starts to feel easy.

But consider progress in a far more challenging facet of yoga: meditation. Progress takes honesty; I can't cheat in a handstand, but I sure can cheat in meditation. I need to acknowledge the reality that I might only stay focused for two breaths before my mind drifts to any or all of the following:

-negative thoughts or grievances
-dreamy or inspired thoughts
-planning

So why bother? The value of meditation is not just in the short periods of focus, it's also in the awareness of the times that I'm spinning. Self-awareness gets my mind back on track, if only for another two breaths. The next time, it will be three. I might even find the meditation not as smooth as previously but that, too, is progress. Practicing meditation strengthens my mind so I'm more equipped to manage the roller coaster off the mat.

Some words of encouragement: Meditate often. Be honest with your progress. Accept minor distractions; they'll make your practice stronger. Don't be intimidated by people sitting quietly for thirty minutes. They might have control of their brains, but not necessarily of their minds. Use some mindfulness tools like breath counting or sense observation. Lately, I've been imagining I've just gotten out of a capsule where I could not see the sun, feel the breeze, or hear the birds, and suddenly I can... this usually gets me another few moments of focus.

Enjoy. You've got a lifetime.