> [!infobox] <s class="aside-in"><em>mentioned in 2 topics, 4 evergreens, 2 sources</em></s> #### [[How to develop a meditation practice]] [[Consciousness is our capacity to introspect]], but the [[diversity]] of our experiences means that the ways that [[meditation]] will help us be introspective will differ. > [!caption right] > ![[Pasted image 20211229235616.png]] > Different styles of [[meditation]] strengthen different aspects of [[consciousness]] ^[[[notes - Different Meditative Styles]]] We can try to match our [[meditation]] method with the way in which we struggle to understand ourselves. [[Zen]] helps you develop [[consciousness]] by making you aware of the input from your [[Indriya]]. [[Trataka]] helps you strengthen your ability to focus on one thing and allow your [[subconscious]] to be closer to the world. In order to improve at meditation you need [[commitment]] and a little bit of [[belief]]. The key is to focus on the action not the goal. The benefits of [[meditation]] will come but slowly and only if you keep up with it. Don't set an abstract goal or focus on the outcomes. [[You can't control what happens]], so just focus on what you can control, your actions. ^[[[notes - How to achieve]]] If this doesn't sound easy this is why a strong [[community]] or [[Sangha]] around you. A [[Sangha]] can prompt you to practice, help you learn the principles of [[meditation]] and help you through your struggles. ^[[[Communities are support systems]]] It may take you a while to perceive the effects of [[meditation]], but over time it will improve your life: [[Meditation improves mental, physical, and emotional health]] and [[Meditation increases our ability to influence the world]] ### <hr class="footnote"/> **Status**:: #EVER/SAPLING *edited January 18, 2022* **Topics**:: [[meditation]], [[self-improvement]]