Mastral

I do like one of the insights from @Emerald 's video about not running away from it but fully immersing yourself in it and coming out stronger and accepting. Isn't living a fulfilling life just better? We don't want miserable life. Think about it... why don't you go and break your leg (or save money on an anesthetic when going to the dentist)? It will heal so in the long run the pain and suffering don't matter.

@ajasatya@SOUL Your insight helped! It now adds up... not necessarily aim for Enlightenment but for ability to experience happiness no matter what. So simple but I lost sight of it completely.

It's not all or nothing, is it? How about cutting down the duration and maybe meditation on the way to the course? You can always make up for it during the weekend with a long or even multiple sessions per day. Good luck!

On the contrary, this is not quite what I see. Most people seem quite happy uploading their brunches on Instagram, getting new kitchen furniture and working towards the next promotion/pay rise. It is just us troubled souls who refuse to acknowledge these goals so that we can pursue The Truth (and hoping it exists). So it looks like my best bet for now is to carry on and hoping a breakthrough will occur just like @Shin mentioned with enough practice.

@lennart I had the same problems when starting meditation but is seems something that can be overcome with good posture and gradual training. Have you tried other forms of "sitting" meditation? Chair with back support or kneeling? Also, you can also do other forms of meditation, all of which have been practiced in many traditions: standing, walking, movement meditation so that you can still meditate daily and give your back a break.

I wouldn't compromise what you do for yourself in order to have more people resonate with you. Maybe test the water first? I.e. bring up healthy eating when talking to person A, then next time mention meditation/contemplation then exercise and so on. One of these things you may both share. If you have nothing in common then proceed as appropriate given the situation.

That will definitely partly help; assume it is a fulfilling job/business, contributing to society and interesting to do but what do I do the rest of the time? I.e. using cliche examples - do I: meditate and trying to become a sage or binge watch tv before heading out for a night out/cinema? How do I know/make myself believe that meditation etc. will make me happier than a night out or seeing a movie (which you can tell straight away from experience will be enjoyable)?