Psychological research has found that you may be able to change significant features of your personality with conscious intent. In other words, meditation can help you strengthen the parts of yourself that have been lost.

Why do you meditate? Is it to be peaceful, joyful and happy? Is it to find the true self that has been obscured by your false self — those insecurities, fears, and feelings of uncertainty that build up over time? The only way to understand your true self is to begin the work of uncovering it. But first you must be able to distinguish between your false self and your true self.

When you are feeling secure, accepted, peaceful and certain, you are experiencing your true self. When you are overwhelmed by stress, crisis, doubts and insecurity, your false self has control. Today, use meditation to help find that peaceful and joyful person at your core. Relax, without judging or analyzing, and begin to see glimmers of your true self come shining through.

Happiness is not a reward, it is a consequence. Suffering is not a punishment, it is a result.