Why do we choose ego activity over meditation?

Sometimes during my meditation I feel so serene and at peace with everything. I am however puzzled by the fact that instead of staying in such a state for a longer time, I always seem to distract myself quite soon out of it. Why am I doing that? Why is it apparently easier/nicer/more attractive for me to occupy myself with - often quite fruitless - thinking, than with being in this state?

This is what happens to most people. Ego wants to preserve its life, its view of reality, the possibilities of satisfying its needs and desires, according to its own view of reality. Therefore, whenever it has the chance to do that it will do it. To stay in the peace and serenity will mean ego death, and the end of the possibilities of satisfying its future ambitions and desires. It means turning the whole world and one’s values upside down.

So it is quite a radical change and requires a great deal of understanding and freedom to allow it in a sustained manner. But good luck; it is possible. It is most useful to inquire into the specific situations and factors that bring about the distraction, while learning to remember presence.