I was recently having dinner with two of my friends and somehow, the topic of meditation came up. I got into a pretty animated discussion with one of my two friends, but the other friend seemed distant and distracted. I called him out on it, saying that he wasn’t present in our conversation. He wittily (or so he thought) replied, “I was meditating.”
And that’s when I went off. You see, my friends, meditation is not an escape from the real world. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Meditation is further entrenchment into the world and it makes you more present and aware of everything that is going on. Like my friend, most people believe that meditation is going off into your own special place and avoiding reality. But nothing could be further from the truth. Meditation is about becoming more one to the world.
How many times have we been in a room and not even noticed the colors of the walls and furniture? How many times have we ridden a bus or plane and been completely oblivious to the sounds, choosing instead to put on our expensive headphones? And how many times have we walked to school or work and failed to even recognize a close friend as he passed us on the straight?
We go places, without noticing things. We see people, but never pay attention. We do things, but we aren’t present. Meditation solves all of these problems. Meditation is about becoming aware and present. Next time you go for a walk, concentrate on your feet as you take each step. Actually feel the wind as it hits your face. Keep your eyes and ears perked for all the wonderful sights and sounds that you can observe in even the most mundane of walks. That’s true meditation.
Next time you are in a conversation, don’t be like my friend. He was present physically, but not mentally or emotionally. Put your phones away and get out of your own head. Actually listen to what people are saying and pay attention to your own contributions to the conversation. Look people in the eye when you speak to them. Concentrate your mind on the present moment and on your present surroundings. That is the essence of meditation.
Meditation is not an escape from the real world; it is further entrenchment in the real world.