Question: During meditation I find I have feelings of stress in the area of the solar plexus — sometimes a spasm or contraction. Should I continue meditating?

Sri Chinmoy: Before you meditate, you should concentrate on the compassion aspect of God, or the protection aspect. Since you experience pain, it is good to invoke God’s protection-power so that you can continue with your meditation and enjoy the bliss of your meditation. It is helpful to meditate or concentrate for a few minutes first on protection. Then God’s inner forces will protect you, and you can continue your regular meditation as long as you want to.