When introducing someone to the concepts of meditation, it's important to go through certain phases to be an effective teacher.
We can certainly decide on a case-by-case basis whether to delve into the deepest questions of consciousness, physics, and debates about God with a student. However, these might be advanced or unnecessary topics initially. It's wiser to meet the student exactly where they are and follow a structured curriculum. I prefer to start with topics related to physics, body chemistry, and a bit of psychology. In the beginning, I avoid philosophy because it is often more subjective and less easily provable.
When engaging with a student, it becomes clear that, without the focused environment of a monastery, maintaining their attention and advancing quickly may take a few years. This progress depends on their struggles with addictions, their receptiveness to new information, and their eagerness to work. The best time to reach someone is when they are at an emotional low point, as they may be more open to change.
In my personal experience, meditation is a practice that progresses through various phases. Initially, there is apprehension and cynicism, then apathy, ambivalence, and resistance. The mind, by its nature, resists this process due to the fear of being subdued by deep relaxation. The mind craves activity and resists being quieted; it prefers to keep thinking incessantly. This resistance explains why we struggle with the simple act of relaxation and slowing down, as well as letting go of negative thought patterns. With continued practice, the mind gradually realizes that meditation is essentially a form of relaxation. As we delve deeper into relaxation, we establish a stronger connection with the present moment, an experience that often evades many of us. I will delve further into this topic in future writings.
Our struggles and heightened anxieties are often rooted in our past memories and childhood experiences. To achieve deeper relaxation and gain a better understanding of ourselves, we must confront and work through these underlying conditions.