It was a beautiful morning, and, as usual, I was on the treadmill at my gym. Being a seasoned treadmill user, my body has long adapted to the steady rhythm of the moving floor. My mind, however, seeks something to keep it occupied. Treadmills can be boring, after all, and the mind quickly craves a new distraction.

One moment, it’s brainstorming ideas for a blog post; when that gets dull, it leaps to another topic. Our minds resemble a busy AI chatbot, instantly generating streams of thoughts at the smallest prompt—whether it’s a sight, a smell, a sound, or even a memory. Imagine if an AI chat could self-prompt indefinitely. Wouldn’t it overheat?

That’s exactly what’s happening in my mind—a restless fire of scattered thoughts, a continuous mental fever. Most of us don’t even realize there’s an alternative: a restful, calm state. It’s like we’re all born with this fever, so we accept it as normal and even fuel it with activities to keep the flames going.

Meditation, especially reaching states of deeper focus like Jhana, is about turning that fever off. But few can reach it easily. Why? Because our minds are addicted to this fever—the endless stream of thoughts, the thrill, the entertainment. When we meditate and approach a state of deep stillness, it can feel unsettling. This “return to normal” almost jolts us out of peace, and we find ourselves back in familiar busyness.

So why try meditation at all? Because we’ve read or heard about a different, peaceful state, free from the feverish mind. Some doubt whether it’s achievable. But there are ways to help ease our overheated minds toward this restful state:

1. Cultivate Contentment: Just as our minds chase after stimulation, they can also learn to value simplicity and satisfaction. Using the same drive that fuels our restlessness, we can reshape our perspective—seeing meditation as fulfilling, even enjoyable. From the calm of observing a stone garden to the mindfulness of a tea ceremony, these practices teach us that focused stillness is not only peaceful but also healthy.
2. Release the Past and Future: Each day is a mix of past, present, and future thoughts. Let go of worries about what comes next or reflections on what just happened. To reach Jhana, focus on the now. In meditation, our only task is to focus on breathing or our chosen object of meditation, resting our minds consciously.
3. Simplify and Conserve Mental Energy: In Samatha meditation, the aim is to simplify and focus. Avoid scattering your energy by keeping your attention on a single, simple object. Think of it as closing all “apps” in your mind to cool down. But don’t overthink this intention—otherwise, it becomes just another distraction.

Enjoy the practice, and may it bring you peace.

May all be well and happy.