Meditation is called a practice. Like mastering an instrument or a sport, one practices on a regular basis in order to play more efficiently, beautifully, and in tune.

My Aha moment was that I realized in meditation, when I pay attention to thoughts that arise and I decide to bring myself back to my breath and let go of the thought, I too am practicing. I am practicing so that when during my normal day something happens that irritates me or a thought arises and stays in my mind, I have the ability to choose what to do. I have practiced enough in meditation that now I am able (usually) to let go of the irritation. I have the option to move on or through the thought. I am building mental muscle as I meditate.

If you practice meditation, you may be thinking, "well, duh." And that is what I thought too when I told my husband about my Aha moment after the bell chimed. Sometimes we must learn the same lessons over and over.

Have you experienced an Aha moment, repeatedly?

Lagniappe

How to Meditate by David Gelles - A comprehensive article with lots of resources from The New York Times/Well.