The Secret of Awakening & Spiritual Enlightenment

When I first learned to meditate, I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't characterize my practice as earnest. It wasn't until I understood how it could dramatically improve my personal and spiritual growth that I committed myself wholeheartedly to the practice. From that point, I turned passionate about it. It has since become the foundation on which I build my life.

One of the unexpected benefits of my commitment to meditation is often called "awakening." This is a sense of peacefulness throughout the day, and a 100% engagement with the present moment—without distraction—even when I'm not meditating. And I'm convinced that anyone can experience this happiness as long as you approach your sitting practice with earnestness.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Earnestness is the secret to developing a practice that will work for you. If you've been looking for happiness, personal growth, spiritual development, Enlightenment, or whatever other names this state of pure, present being is called, meditation will end your search. But I'm not just talking about a meditative practice that you'll take or leave depending on your daily schedule. I'm referring to a lifelong commitment to the practice. If you're looking for true personal transformation, you'll inevitably have to let go of whatever activities prevent you from plunging into a regular sitting practice; it must rise to the top of your to-do list. Only when you do this, will you experience the long term benefits of the practice.

Developing a Sense of "All Is Well" Requires Discipline & Consistency

In order to make meditation a central part of who you are, you may have to give up activities—or perhaps do them less. You may have to forego other goals in your life—or maybe extend their timelines. Sometimes, even when you're tired, and you're not motivated to sit, you'll do it anyway. Like anything worthwhile in life, such an advanced professional degree, an athletic accomplishment, or a wonderful relationship, the greater your investment of time and focus, the greater the benefit you'll realize.

If awakening is important to you, then I encourage you to make meditation a priority. Once you recognize the life-changing power of meditation and you earnestly, fully embrace the practice, the results will speak for themselves. You'll experience a peace beyond understanding.