A pulmonologist householder asked me for some guidance on meditation since she feels overwhelmed with time pressures and finds it difficult to find time for regimented meditation.

Following is my guidance to her.

        ... So glad that you said, "working on time management ... mental peace".

Know that the time will not come. Good news is .. let it never come. You are fine.

Therefore, I am sharing with you a method more potent than a regimented exercise of meditation. This is not theory, it is practical, especially for those who are struggling with time constraints.

Contrary to the books/lectures on meditation, it does not have to be at a set time for a set duration, because you don't have "that" time. By saying this, I am not discounting the benefits of regimented meditation. I am augmenting it by creating a constant meditative state within and around.

How? ...

By seeing some good in everything and every one around, all the time. Occasionally, someone's behavior will not appeal ... we can close our eyes and pray for them. Is it possible? Yes, by practice. It then becomes our second nature. Our mind, then, revels in godly thoughts naturally, without even trying. This stage will arrive slow, but once achieved, it stays with us. We feel joyful, experience a glow, and feel light.

It would help if in the first 7 days, we take out 10 minutes each morning and 5 minutes each night to sit in front of picture of any Saint/godly figure. No need to close eyes. With eyes open, just gaze at the form, and if we know that Saint's qualities, soak our thoughts with them. This vision will then stay with us, and keep us in meditative state, as we walk, talk, do anything. In stead of a short meditation, it is as if we are in meditation all the time.

What a joy unspeakable ! This will not add time pressure. It will ease time pressure and anxiety since we will be working with an aura of peace around us.

This is my offering with humility.

-- Vijay Nikore

(original and unpublished)