Chance Favors the Prepared

Recently there was an article in the health section of one of the news services concerning psychological problems resulting from the practice of "mindfulness". Some issues were the emergence of unpleasant memories, and an emotional leveling in which the individual no longer experienced strong emotions negatively or positively.

These "problems" come from using the method without a requisite intellectual preparation, and it is unfortunate because these "problems" indicate that this or that particular person was actually achieving something: actually getting somewhere. Silencing the mind enables repressed content to bubble to the surface, and if the practitioner is alert and prepared, that which has been repressed like leaves pressed in the pages of a book, can be digested, composted: the repressed element can be reintegrated and become a source of growth. Those reporting diminished emotional intensity, well duh, emotional intensity is seldom a sign of maturity of soul. Awareness is sufficient.

So in an odd way this is a demonstration of the efficacy of meditation. It works even if you don't know what you are doing or why. And it is a shame that these individuals came so close to change of being only to walk away, not recognizing a valuable opportunity: mistaking gold for brass.

Chance favors the prepared.