It’s been 4 years since I did the 10-day vipassana meditation course. As an old student, we have access to shorter courses ranging from a few hours to a day or three. Between then and now, I often have the intention to meditate, for I know the goodness that lies beyond but more often than not, I have been lazy.
Yesterday, I finally went for a 1-day course. It was an almost painful process, not just physically but mentally. Trying to focus takes practise, and I obviously was out of practice. Focusing on the breath – a simple enough act – took effort and often, the mind slipped away before I knew it.
Along the way, I questioned myself, “why am I doing this?”
My question was answered in the discourse. Goenka – our teacher – said doing vipassana meditation daily is an essential practise to purify the mind. “We automatically wash our hands when it is dirty… but what about our mind?” That struck me as something so simple and true, yet how easily we overlook the state of our mind… and so many other things. He reminded that meditating in the morning and evening shall help in clearing the mind, to stay conscious and to act in a rightful manner that is good for us and those around us.
As I did my usual morning stroll today, I felt myself being lighter and happier. Was it due to the vipassana practice yesterday? Did I shed some unwanted impurities from the mind? I imagined my mind and inner being being covered with grime and layers of impurities that obstruct me from my true self. Perhaps that’s why I have been so lost, but with discipline and practise, I look forward to growing into a better self in the near future.
To understand more about vipassana, please refer here
To sign up for Vipassana courses, please visit here
The beginning is always tough, and it’s even tougher when one tries to get back into a routine that one has neglected. Of late, I am on a mission to rediscover buried passions and pursue new dreams. If you have enjoyed the above article, please leave a comment below and stay tuned for more.
Travel Beckons 
0 comments on “1-day Vipassana Meditation in Singapore”