What to Expect When You’re Reflecting

I CAN'T count how many would-be meditators have come to me in despair and admitted that they just don't get it. Meditation is beyond them, they say. Their minds are not suitable receptacles.

As a teacher I try to maintain a certain distance, but whenever this happens I want to jump up and hug these people - not out of consolation but from the pride of seeing them take their first baby steps, even if they don't know it. It's one of the great rewards of teaching to know they're turning tentatively inward. It makes all my efforts worthwhile.