Question 1:

Does being contemplative, or doing meditation, mean I have to become inactive? Does it mean sitting around with a vacant mind?

Response 1:

This is a common misconception about the nature and purpose of meditation. While the practice of meditation requires a stillness of mind, and body (except in walking meditation), the actual outcome over time is a stillness of presence that allows a greater ability to concentrate on any activity and a lack of worry and anxiety and personal agendas that get in the way of efficient activity.

Question 2:

I’ve tried meditating before but I’m too restless. I don’t think I’m the kind of person who can meditate.

Response 2:

Everyone experiences restlessness during concentration meditation. Our personal lives are filled with activities, demands and responsibilities that claim our attention and time. This is our normal state of mind, and quite appropriate and necessary. The problem we all experience when we meditate is that these thoughts, plans, memories, resentments etc fill the space cleared by the mantra as soon as we start saying it. This is what happens to everyone and is the reason for, and the practice of, concentration meditation. It is a discipline that helps us to become less attached to the happenings of our carousel mind.