"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting." ~ Buddha
Have you ever wondered if there was a way you could speed up your spiritual development? I'm sure you know of some people who are so peaceful and serene that nothing seems to bother them. The secret of their success is actually quite simple. They've figured out what works, and they do it consistently.
Why the Slow Progress?
The reason many of us have trouble with our spiritual development is that we don't avail ourselves of some simple tools that can be tremendously effective. In Buddhism, they have what is called the Noble Eightfold Path. If you're not familiar with them, these are essentially basic practices that will help us achieve enlightenment, or freedom from suffering.
One of them is right effort, sometimes called right diligence. What it basically means is doing the things that will cultivate mindfulness, and doing them consistently. The problem many people have is that they're diligent, but not necessarily using the most effective tools at their disposal. This is not surprising because there is so much confusion about what mindfulness meditation is exactly.
When it comes to getting the most from your meditation practice, it's important to learn the proper techniques, and apply them consistently. Anything less, and your progress will be less than optimal.
The Energy of Mindfulness and the Power of the Retreat
Those who are advanced spiritually have discovered the power of the meditation retreat. They have attended one, and realized that it not only takes their spirituality to a higher level, but also greatly enhances their meditation practice, so they continue progressing at a much faster pace when they return home. Then they make attending retreats part of their routine.
One reason the mindfulness meditation retreat is so effective is that it combines the instruction of proper mindfulness meditation techniques with the time necessary for applying them--that is, right effort. It is like a professional athlete training for his sport. He will excel much faster if he uses proper techniques, and practices diligently.
There is also another reason for the retreat's effectiveness. It is the energy of mindfulness. Our consciousness is made up of energy, which helps us see with clarity. The amount of mindfulness energy we're exposed to, determines how clearly we can see the true nature of reality.
The energy of mindfulness is not necessarily confined to our bodies. In fact, it surrounds us like a magnetic field. Anyone who is near us, or aware of our presence, can feel its effects. So, when several people are meditating together, a synergy takes place where all participants are exposed to a vast ocean of spiritual nourishment that helps everyone grow. Buddhist monks and nuns know this, and it's why they progress so quickly.
People who have had a profound spiritual experience have momentarily touched nirvana, and have been exposed to a tremendous surge of mindfulness energy. They are instantly transported to a higher level of consciousness, and are forever changed by what they see during those few moments of enlightenment.
A Higher Level of Inner Peace and Serenity
As you can see, you can dramatically speed up your spiritual development when you apply the proper meditation techniques in a consistent manner. When our True Nature awakens, we can perform at a much higher level:
- You can think more clearly.
- You can see reality on a much deeper level.
- You will have greater control of your mind, body, and emotions.
Athletes refer to this state as "being in the zone." In other words, we begin using the full power of our body and mind, including our subconscious. When we're in the zone, we feel awake and at peace with the world. We also feel a great sense of love. Imagine the implications of functioning on a higher spiritual level:
- You will remain calm, even in stressful situations.
- Your relationships will improve significantly.
- You will overcome the wounds from your past.
Overall, you will be at peace with yourself and the world around you. You will know a level of happiness and serenity that you never thought possible. You will be in the zone much of the time.
If you are truly serious about your spiritual development, and want to begin progressing at a faster pace, I would recommend you go on a mindfulness meditation retreat. I've seen people transformed in just a matter of days at the retreats I have attended. And once you experience the full power of the retreat for yourself, then you too will make it part of your routine.