Expert: Justin Choo - 2/16/2010

Question
Hello, I have a question about how to keep the practice and the path as something important to us.

Just a simple example - I practice Zen (I know you're Theravada, but all the Zen guys are on vacation ^_^ - hopefully you don't mind?), and it is very important to me. I really feel that this has made my life tremendously better and has made me mature as an individual, also making me more able to help others. However, in the past few weeks I've been very busy and Buddhism, being mindful, etc, has somewhat slipped my mind. I was going through my 'mental checklist' this afternoon, and I just thought "homework, that project, I have to meditate... oh yes, that's right, I have to meditate and try to integrate the practice into my daily life. I've been trying to achieve enlightenment for the past year". It was quite funny in a way - I just completely forgot about it. Had you asked me if I was religious or spiritual I would have probably told you "no". :)

So you see, while I'm sure these distractions are going to be inevitable, is there any way to stay focused even while things are getting hectic? To still wake up every morning and think about the path, to be mindful, how I can improve myself, etc, instead of the test I have on friday?

Thanks for your time,

Nicolaas

Answer
Nicholaas,

Welcome back.

What you are experiencing is most common to all of us.  If you are perfect, then there is not a need to practise.  We just need to perservere and put in more effort.  The more we practise, the faster we improve.  It depends on the individuals.  Some can improve very fast, others are just stagnant.  So you need to assess your affinity to meditation and spiritual pursuit.  

Perhaps you may want to set aside a moment of quiet reflection, say immediately after lunch.  That will recharge your energy to be more mindful.  Sometimes we call this session, "traffic lights." You know, no matter how fast you drive, you need stop at the red light.

Take care.

Justin Choo