Consistency in Practice

Because the benefits of meditation can only be observable over an extended period of practice, maintaining consistency is the key. Assuming that you have mastered the concentration skills in meditation, this section helps you devise your own plans of acquiring the habit of practicing meditation, below are some considerations. Feel free to come up with some other concerns in devising your implementation plans.

Shaping

To begin with a healthy regimen, take one small step at a time. Setting too high expectations in the beginning may be practically unrealistic in the end.

  • Assuming the practice remains for at least three months ahead, what is the daily minimum amount of time I feel comfortable in practicing meditation?
  • Since the suggested minimum time for each session is around 15-30 minutes, would I feel more comfortable to begin with shorter time frame? If so, how would that look like? (Remember, the mind takes time to desensitize itself to settle on an object of attention. Too short amount of time may backfire.)

Implementation plans

  • When do I start practicing meditation? What time? For how long? Any different on different days?
  • Where would it take place? Is this place conducive enough for complete personal space etc.?
  • How would I enhance my attention as much as possible?
    e.g. Lock the door, turn off cellphone, orchestrate the environment (with incense, music, loose outfit, etc.)
  • Are there anything I should bring with me in the session?
    e.g. personal journal, pen, voice recorder, tablet pc, images, music file, etc.
  • Should I make any adjustments on the "when, where, and how" for certain days of the week?
  • What are the likeliest reasons of failing my implementation plans?
  • Under these non-conducive conditions, what can I do to counter the undesirable consequences or effects on my implementation plans? Are the remedial actions effective enough? How likely would I take the anticipatory plans?
  • What are the likeliest reasons of successfully implementing the plans?
  • Could I increase the saliency of these success factors?

Good luck with your practice.
A thousand miles starts with a single step. Keep walking!