The sixth factor on the Buddhist eightfold path is Right Effort. This one is about the discipline to generate what is skilful (through our thoughts and actions) and also to refrain from what is keeping us in a cycle of suffering. Right effort is the way in which we do things consciously, with intention and purpose. This is the effort to pay attention and watch when our minds get tangled and identified with thoughts or when we get caught in our own stress responses. It is also the effort to do something about it and make a stand.

There is an effort to look at our own states of suffering (and others) with clarity and to not avoid or run away from it but to be present amongst uncomfortability. Take care with what is in front of you. The effort of meditation is to concentrate and sustain your attention, although the mind is constantly wavering, that is not a problem. Mental chatter never stops, but we can learn to abide in a type of silence, not from ceasing thoughts, but from the effort to remain aware and when we get distracted, to kindly remind ourselves to begin again and again and again. This doesn't mean that we suck at meditating, but it strengthens the capacity to be willing to be with what comes up.

The effort of a good habit brings power and inner strength. There is also a type of effort to let go and surrender and let be. Right effort in itself does not lead towards freedom, as you may have observed that being so disciplined can be a type of prison. But it helps to find out whats true about yourself and the truth gives you freedom.

Effort is also needed to prevent unwholesome states when they arise, and therefore to recognise when they do arise. These are states like greed, hatred, judgment, delusion, lying, malice, etc. So the effort here is to see these states arising (however subtle they show up), taking responsibility for them, and then it's a bit like changing the channel and deciding to move on.

Sometimes effort is also needed to divert attention towards something else in order to control obsessive thinking. Effort is needed to stop being passive and apathetic towards life and to go and find meaning and purpose in this world. Effort is needed to cultivate and nurture wholesome states of being such as loving kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, sincerity, generosity, peace, patience, self-control, and gentleness. These states need pruning and nurturing to allow them to grow.

Reflect:

Where in your life do you not put in enough effort? Where is there too much effort or too much energy wasted on something thats not needed?