Find it hard to sit still and switch off your mind? Don't sweat it
It's been so rewarding and encouraging to see more people take an interest in meditation, and to see a steady stream of new faces show up to classes. Meditation is new territory for many and, understandably, people have a lot of questions about whether or not they're doing it "right". As meditation teachers, we've heard it all—"I can't switch off my thoughts", "I can't sit still for more than 5 minutes", "I just fall asleep, so what's the point?"
For starters, what you're feeling is totally normal. Even we have our off days, where we feel restless and impatient. But that's all part of the process. When it comes to meditation, there is no end goal or "being good at it". It is an ongoing process of discipline, awareness, patience, kindness and introspection. Even masters who've been doing it their whole lives still consider themselves students—so don't be too hard on yourself if you don't reach nirvana in your first month of meditating.
Below are a few common misconceptions about meditation, and tips for deepening your practice.
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There's only one way to meditate
Meditation is more than just sitting with legs crossed and eyes closed. More than a practice, meditation is a mindset, and bringing a meditative mindset—that state of awareness and being totally present—beyond the mat has its own myriad of benefits. For those who struggle with seated meditation, try creating rituals out of everyday tasks.
Many of us have made a habit of rushing or surrounding ourselves with distractions, like being on our phones while going for a walk, or having the TV on while cooking. Instead, make a conscious effort to be mindful and present. Feel the air and sun on your skin when you go for a walk, observe the sounds and smells when cooking, sit with a cup of tea and do nothing but appreciate it.
By making a conscious effort to do things mindfully, these tasks can be transformed from mindless chores to meditative practices and loving acts of self care.
The more you practice being in a meditative mindset, the more you'll find yourself responding rather than reacting to situations in every day life; making conscious decisions rather than acting on impulse. At the end of the day, it all comes down to being patient with yourself and giving yourself permission to take your time to be completely present.