Promise the mind freedom from control at a later time – Again, a mother’s loving tactics can be employed. To lure him away from a present mischief, the mother might promise her child a much ampler field for ‘mischief’ at a later period of time: “If you take your nap now, I’ll take you to the park afterward where you can play on the swings until supper.”
The child weighs the pros and cons of the proposition and finds it profitable to renounce the mischief, take a nap, and look forward to an afternoon in the park. During meditation, your mind may wander to worry over domestic or business problems, over the international situation, or over its own weaknesses.
A diligent seeker can persuade such a mind to stick to meditation by promising it a free ride into these fields of thought later – say, after lunch. This concession must be given only on strict conditions: “I’ll let you wander freely among your pet worries after lunch if you give me your total cooperation in meditation.”
Without fail, you will experience that the mind after a moment’s hesitation, becomes supple and comes back to play the tune that you want it to play.