Why meditate?

I think it is helpful to first clear up some misunderstandings that often accompany the idea of a regular meditation practice. Mindfulness meditation is not about

- achieving a particular mental or physical state,

- receiving immediate or extraordinary enlightenment,

- controlling your own mind,

- practicing passivity or apathy,

- stopping the flow of thoughts.

Mindfulness meditation is initially about

- trying to stay focused on the present moment through gentle attention to your breath or the feelings in your body,

- viewing your inner life with a friendly open interest to "look inside".