Misconceptions about meditation and mindfulness?

[Nau7ik]

It’s a little of both, in my opinion. To see the mind clearly, we need complete stillness. I heard a beautiful quote of wisdom from Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda,


Now, achieving this is a lot easier said than done! I’ve been meditating for years and I still count and follow my breath. Don’t be discouraged when your mind wanders. Your mind will inevitably wander. But we simply bring our counsciousness back to silence. The intellect tries to resist self imposed discipline. The intellect shouldn’t be our master. It is a tool.

When the mind is still and silent it’s in its proper place to receive. It allows for the descent of the intuitive mind, the higher mind. The higher mind doesn’t think, it knows.

So, imo, the silence of mind is the first step in spiritual practice. Daily meditation accelerates the conscious seeking. Persist my friend!

One more thing, I personally found it extremely helpful to keep a meditation / spiritual / magical journal. I record the details daily of my spiritual study and practice.