Unmotivated After Meditation: Understanding the Underlying Causes and Solutions

Meditation is a vast field, encompassing a wide range of practices from quiet contemplation to active visualization. However, it is often observed that after years of dedicated practice, individuals may experience a dip in motivation. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind such feelings and provide insights on how to address them.

Understanding the Purpose Behind Meditation

Motivation stems from a clear sense of purpose. Whether you are meditating to enhance your mindfulness, to connect with a higher power, or to achieve a specific goal in life, knowing your purpose is crucial. This sense of purpose acts as a driving force that keeps you motivated and inspired in your daily endeavors.

While meditation itself may not directly boost your motivation, the underlying reasons for why you are meditating do. For instance, if your purpose is to serve the greater good or to make the world a better place, this overarching goal can lead to sustained motivation. A purpose that transcends self-interest and embodies love and compassion can be incredibly fulfilling and motivating.

Understanding the Physiological Impact of Meditation

Feeling lazy after meditation can be attributed to physiological changes in the body, specifically in the jaw and the Lateral pterygoid muscle. This muscle lowers the lower jaw and allows us to open our mouths. When we engage in meditation, we sometimes unconsciously increase the tension in this muscle.

By keeping this muscle tone high during meditation, we may experience a sensation of heaviness or laziness after the practice. Overexerting this muscle can even lead to sleepiness, as the brain and body enter a state of rest. It is important to relax this muscle appropriately to prevent such side effects.

The increased tone in the Lateral pterygoid muscle during meditation might lead to a temporary disconnection between the body and consciousness. This disconnection is a normal part of deep meditation, where the individual drifts into a profound state of awareness that is not tied to external perceptions. As a result, it may take some time to reconnect with the physical body once the practice is concluded.

Addressing Sensations of Reduced Mobility and Emotional Release

What many individuals perceive as laziness might actually be a symptom of a different process. During meditation, the body releases accumulated emotional and mental stress. Additionally, releasing mental blocks can lead to a state of greater purity, which requires some time to adjust to. The body, in this state, goes into a deep relaxation mode on the physical, mental, and emotional levels, regenerating power and ability.

The sense of loseness of body or a strange feeling can be unsettling, but it is a natural part of the process. To help the body reestablish its connection with the physical environment, it is recommended to lie down in a relaxed position, slowly open your eyes, and focus on breathing. This helps to gradually reconnect with the surroundings.

Conclusion

To avoid post-meditation feelings of laziness, it is crucial to maintain a balance in the practice by not overly straining muscles like the Lateral pterygoid. Additionally, understanding the nature of the sensations experienced during and after meditation can provide clarity and alleviate any confusion or distress. With time and practice, these experiences will become more familiar and less disconcerting.

Remember, meditation is not just about achieving a state of perfect stillness but also about finding balance and well-being. By aligning your meditation practice with a clear sense of purpose, you can ensure that it continues to serve as a source of motivation and fulfillment in your life.