Meditation and the Neutral Point
Meditation offers many benefits, but what exactly is meditation? Looking it up will provide at least a few different ways to define meditation. Some say it's an aware, still, and quiet mind. Others define it as the ability to concentrate, observe the mind, or focus. While others say it's the state of aware thoughtlessness. These definitions come from various cultures and traditions so it would appear there many be more than one way to meditate.
Since the mind is the creative force in life it makes sense to be aware of what thoughts the mind is producing. Meditation is a good way to be in control of the mind and these thoughts. It would seem that the resident of the mind would have no problem producing desired thoughts, after all it is their mind, but this is not always true. There are many factors that influence what thoughts the mind produces.
In many cases the mind is like a beautiful, stallion running wild. When this beautiful and powerful animal is trained its abilities can be channeled to function under more control. When the beautiful, powerful mind is trained it can be used to produce the desired results as well. As mentioned earlier the mind is the creative tool used to generate reality and should be guided in creating, not allowed to run wild creating unconsciously. This is an important point to remember.
So, what is this training process? The unconditioned mind has a tendency to wander aimless out of control. One moment it's in the past, the next it's worrying about tomorrow and then it's making a judgment about someone or something that has absolutely nothing to do with it. Since there is no control or focus the creative/mental abilities of the mind are scattered. This is how the average mind functions or shall we say dysfunctions. Regaining control and creative ability is not impossible, it just requires practice, time, and consistency.
Generally when the mind is engaged it's in the past or future; judging, complaining, worrying, doubting, etc. These thought actions take the mind from the present moment where focused creation resides. Meditative practice can help keep the mind predominately in the present and without judgment. This process begins with an innerstanding of what will be referred to as the neutral point. When the mind is here there is no action just observation.
The neutral point can be likened to a temperature that is not hot or cold but right in the middle of the two. When the mind is here there is no judgment. The conditions, situations, or environment of life are not judged, therefore the mind is not making any decisions, choices, comments, or emotional reactions. The mind floats in the neutral point free of any pressure or imbalance which would be the result of tipping to one side or the other by mental reactions. Imagine a scale in perfect balance, this represents the neutral point. Once a thought or reaction occurs it tips the scale to one side or the other thus disturbing it's balance.
Practice observing life around you while remaining in the neutral position. This does not mean becoming a hermit, on the contrary, it means participating in life without becoming unbalanced. Neither does it mean turning off emotions, it means life is not an emotion roller-coaster ride, where emotions are up on minute and down the next. There should be emotional harmony and balance.
In order to enhance this natural ability, sit quietly and comfortably each day for a number of minute and remain in the neutral mental position. In this position there will be feelings of peace, calm, harmony, and balance. Extend the time spent doing this practice daily, weekly, or whatever works best for you. Start slowly and build up the time. Eventually this will become the natural state of life. This neutral zone is also the creative zone, but that is a subject for another time. Stay neutral!!
Learn more about molding your reality in my new book: "Innerstanding, Creating Your Life From the Inside Out" (available here)
