How to Choose a Meditation Course or Teacher

When choosing a meditation course or teacher, there are two aspects to consider. The technique itself is the obvious one, but the background and instructional approach of the teacher is equally important. Someone who is a wonderful teacher for someone else, might be a terrible choice for you. Only you can decide if the teacher is right for you.

So how do you do that? It’s important to accept that all teachers are flawed. No exceptions. We all have areas where we behave in ways that are inconsistent with our own teachings. So first you must stop yourself from putting any teacher on a pedestal above you. You must always trust your own inner wisdom. 

Then you are ready to learn from this person, taking what helps you, trying that which is difficult, and leaving the rest. You do not need to believe everything a teacher tells you, and I would be concerned if a teacher insists you do. I would also be wary of teachers who expect you to do only the technique they teach you.

Meditation is the pathway for effectively strengthening your focus muscle. Strengthening your focus muscle creates new pathways in your brain. New deliberately cultivated neural pathways give you the brainpower to think and respond differently to everyday life. Thinking and responding differently transforms your life. 

Your ability to focus, and be deliberate in how you respond, is the most valuable thing you can have. Meditation is the most effective tool to strengthen our focus, this is how we transform our lives.

*typos and other errors provided for your entertainment.