procedural memory is. This phenomenon occurs when you do anything long
enough. You begin to know that you know how.
Building a Neural Network for Meditation
Remember that the more knowledge you have, the better prepared you
are for a new experience. Every meditation step you practice will have a
meaning to you based on what you learned earlier in this book; each one is
based on a scientific or philosophical understanding so that nothing is left to
conjecture. The steps are presented in a specific order designed to help you
memorize this process for personal change.
Although I have mapped out a suggested four-week program for you to
learn the entire process, please take as much time as you need to practice
each step until it becomes familiar. The best pace to set is one that is
comfortable, so you never feel overwhelmed.
You will begin every session by doing the previous steps you learned,
then practice the new material for that week. Because it’s more effective to
learn some steps together, some weeks will call for you to practice two or
more new steps. Also, I recommend that you practice each new mindful
step, or group of steps, for at least a week before you move on to the next
ones. In a few weeks, you’ll build quite a neural network for meditation!
Suggested Four-Week Program
Week One (Chapter 10): Every day, do STEP 1: Induction.Week Two (Chapter 11):Start every daily session by once again
practicing the first step; then add STEP 2:
Recognizing, STEP 3: Admitting and
Declaring, and STEP 4: Surrendering.Week Three (Chapter 12):Start every daily session by practicing STEPS 1
through 4, then add STEP 5: Observing and
Reminding and STEP 6: Redirecting.
Week Four (Chapter 13): Start every daily session by practicing STEPS 1