The Meditator's Dilemma: An Innovative Approach to Overcoming Obstacles and Revitalizing Your Practice

In meditation, as the sense of self is investigated, it is seen as transitory and continuously constructed moment to moment. It is to be held lightly. It is not a thing, but an ongoing process.

There are two kinds of light—the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures. —James Thurber

Audio versions of many of these practices are available at http://www.shambhala.com/the-meditator-s-dilemma.html and at www.billandsusan.net/meditatorsdilemma

TRANQUILITY GAME: INVITING THE HEART

He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity’s sunrise. —William Blake

Paradoxically, most beginning meditators hold an unexamined assumption that discursive thinking will diminish as meditation deepens. However, because thinking is a part of our wiring, thoughts will not completely stop as we progress in meditation, any more than sounds or physical sensations will disappear. This simple misunderstanding creates inter

yet it is itself the greatest of our miseries. —Blaise Pascal

Contrary to our prevailing wiring and conditioning, it is not about getting rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings. Rather, the secret to reducing mental suffering is consciously settling in a balanced, accepting manner into the flow of experience.

Relaxation helps set the stage, and playfulness mitigates the intensity that most of us bring to meditation.