Given how short and seemingly simple the question “What is meditation?” is, it may seem like there should be a definitive answer.  However, a quick web search yields many possibilities: “contemplation, thought, thinking, musing, pondering, consideration, and reflection,” to name a few.

The Wikipedia entry for “meditation” defines it as:

“…a practice where an individual focuses his or her mind on a particular object, thought or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.”

While this definition appears concise, it leaves the number of possible forms of meditation wide open. The practice offered by Mind on Breath is rooted in the definition proposed by my teacher Susan Piver in her book Start Here Now, one which, in contrast to Wikipedia’s, does not name the intention or goal of the practice:

“…substituting for your discursive thoughts another object of attention.”

Pretty simple, right?  It’s so simple that Susan summarizes it this way:

Meditation = Simple Substitution

At Mind on Breath, we merely add a specific “object of attention” to Susan’s definition – the breath:

“…substituting for your discursive thoughts attention on your breath.”

This is one of the most common forms of meditation, and for good reason considering its ancient Buddhist roots and the benefits reaped by practitioners over literally millennia.  And while it may be simple to learn, it is not what you would call easy to practice.  Look no further than the meaning behind and synonyms associated with the word “discursive” to fully recognize the challenge, one to which we can all relate:

discursive, adj.:  digressing from subject to subject

synonyms:  rambling, digressive, meandering, and wandering (to name a few)

While the idea of somehow taming the meandering mind through practicing meditation may seem daunting, anyone can do it with the right training and support.

I’d love to hear how you define meditation, your preconceptions about the practice, as well as your thoughts on the next post “Why Meditate?”  If meditation isn’t easy and will take time and effort to practice, what might make it worthwhile?

And please feel free to head to our About, Steps or Offerings pages to learn all about Mind on Breath.  Thanks for stopping by!