If you are reading this, I have survived a 7-day silent meditation retreat on the flanks of a volcano on the island of Bali. Though I’ve been meditating poorly for 50 years, I never seem to improve — if improving in meditation is some kind of competition with myself. But I continue because I know that if I sit and concentrate on my breathing long enough, something good will happen — just like if I stop and take the time to swim or draw. These activities bring me back to my center and that’s a good place to be.
I believe it’s important to check in with ourselves now and again. What works for you?