This isn't a post about dogs interrupting meditations, or of Buddha figures falling from shelves on the heads of enlightenment seekers.

I'm sure there are videos of that on the inter web somewhere. Wait--I just looked, and there are. They sure don't get many views, though.

The meditation fail that I am talking about is my continued attempt at completing one of Oprah's 21 day meditation programs. This time, I made it, with hiccups, the whole way through six straight days. Then, I skipped a weekend, and did the next five days straight. Skipped the weekend again, and then it fell off.

Deepak Chopra, who leads the meditations, claims that after doing something like this for 21 straight days, a habit can be formed. Hence the reason for the duration. I have yet to form the habit, but, as can be seen by tracking my posts about this, I am still practicing.

I first decided to do it back in April, and didn't make it very far at all.

Then, just over 21 days ago, I tried again. Fail.

However, I am happy and am continuing with my practice, looking for progress, not perfection. The fact that I'm still interested, still practicing, still looking forward to that next 21 day period, and am practicing on my own shows me that I may be growing.

The results in my life have been wonderful, also. I guess I don't have to establish a practice that would impress a Tibetan right from the get-go to see results. Through false starts and stumbles, I believe in it, so I'll keep going.

That's what I meant when I wrote about how forgiveness aids meditation. If I couldn't forgive myself and move on, I would have quit this whole thing back in 2012.

Progress, not perfection. I am so totally imperfect, and I'm not even seeking perfection. I'm  hoping to live in truth, without fear. Finding stillness seems to be helping.

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