[2024 November DCTB Mindfulness Tip]
To make progress on the spiritual path – or in any endeavor – consistency is essential. Consistency has a dual meaning and both connotations are important to consider. The Oxford Dictionary defines consistency:
con·sist·en·cy /kənˈsistnsē/
noun
1. conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness.
2. the way in which a substance holds together; thickness or viscosity.
Embracing consistency on the spiritual path means to conform to a plan and paying attention to how that plan holds together.
We and our world are in a constant state of change, so being consistent with anything can be a challenge because we and the world by nature are not consistent. These endless shifts of moods, energy levels, work and social commitments, and the unexpected demands of life make sticking to a firm plan a struggle.
This is where the second half of the definition is helpful. Spiritual practice is fluid! When our ability to conform to our plan is disrupted, instead of fighting to squish ourselves and the world into our preconceived notions we can consider the question: how can we fit our spiritual practice into this moment?
By setting our intent to prioritize our spiritual practice, we take back our power and return our focus to the Path. Repeatedly making this choice is the essence of consistency.
Consistency in terms of conformity does not need to be rigid. We can remain consistent with our practice by committing to sit every day. It does not have to be at the same time – or even the same amount of time or the same technique – each day.
When we are first introducing meditation to our daily life, it is easier to add in the same amount of time at the same time of day with the same technique. However when we become fixated on that type of consistency, if we are disrupted it can derail our entire practice. So yes, make a plan to sit at the same time for a set amount of time using a particular method. Working with the same technique allows us to go into the deeper levels of what that method offers. Sitting every morning for the same amount of time builds a discipline.
But if life gets in the way of your perfect plan, allow yourself the slack to fit in a seated meditation at a different time of day. Use a different technique if the one you’ve been working with won’t fit the current situation. Going forward, modify your overall plan if necessary or return to the original plan the next day.
Once we get ourselves to sit on a regular basis, it is tempting to analyze the consistency of our meditation in terms of how it holds together. Some days our meditation is very thick; we go deep into the unseen where we experience the interconnection and impermanence of ourselves and existence. Bliss pours forth and once we rise from our seat we easily execute all of our activities. Other days our meditation is a bit more lumpy. Silence is punctuated by disturbing thoughts and emotions. We squirm on the cushion and then we feel distracted throughout the day. In this case, we rest in the knowledge that by giving ourselves time to sit, we are being consistent in our practice – even if our practice itself does not feel consistent.
Making room for these fluctuations supports our practice and allows us to remain consistent in our ever-changing world.
One way to improve the consistency of our practice is to sit with others on a regular basis. Join us at Dharma Center of Trikaya Buddhism, where you can build a discipline and improve the quality of your meditation and mindfulness practice.
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