“Meditation is the only intentional, systematic human activity which at its core is about not trying to improve yourself or get anywhere else.”
— Jon Kabat Zinn
Simplified Meaning:
When we meditate, we take time to simply be in the present moment without trying to change anything about ourselves or our situation. Unlike other activities where we work to get better or achieve something, meditation is about accepting ourselves as we are right now. It’s like taking a peaceful walk in a park not to reach a destination but just to enjoy the walk itself. Imagine you're learning to paint. Usually, you’d aim to improve your skills or complete a great painting. But meditation is like painting just for the joy of the colors and brushstrokes, not caring about the final picture. By practicing meditation, you learn to appreciate the now without stressing about what else you need to do or become. This helps reduce anxiety and creates a sense of calm. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, meditation can be a useful tool to relax and find peace without the pressure of achieving more.