Why Exercise & Meditation Both Require Faith

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Have Some Faith
- Ch: 03 of Mindfulness, A Guidebook to the Present Moment -

‘Our life is shaped by our mind, for we become what we think’ - Buddha

Exercise and meditation are remarkably similar. Both require focused attention, dedication, education, and practice. Both are tremendously beneficial to physical and mental health. And both require a level of faith.

When we lift some weights, go for a run, or stretch, we do so with the knowledge that we will not see immediate results. We know it will take months before the weight starts coming off, or before we notice a significant uptick in our coordination, strength, or fitness levels. Yet despite this, we still train. We have faith that if we put in the effort now, we will be rewarded later. Based on experience and the example of others, we know that there is a lag between actions and rewards. This gives us the confidence or faith that if we exercise, we will also see similar results.

The same is true for meditation. There is a lag between starting and seeing the results of our practice. It may take months before we start to notice any positive impact, thus we need to have faith in the method, the instructor, and ourselves. We need to turn up and practice each day knowing that in time the benefits of our efforts will eventually compound. So please do not get discouraged if it feels like ‘nothing is happening’. Because like exercise, it takes time and consistency, and like exercise, it is often those around you who will notice the changes first. You may start hearing comments addressing your happier mood, or that you seem calmer, or more focused. Or perhaps you will find yourself less in need of intoxicants, sugar, or other similar distractions. Maybe your performance at work or school will start to improve, or you will simply be ‘on your game’ more.

So have some faith in your practice and just keep going! Typically, it will take around one to three months of consistent daily meditation before you really begin to see the benefits. And once you feel them for yourself, you will no longer need these words to motivate you to continue.