Meditation

You know why you need to meditate, but you’re not sure if you’re doing it the right way.

Know this:

1. It is uncomfortable

When you meditate, you switch from a state of doing to a state of being = doing nothing. This alone goes against everything we know. It takes practice to get used to “just sit” and not move.

2. There will be thinking

We think involuntarily, just like we breathe. Thoughts will always arise. It is not a “mistake” to think while meditating. The key lies in becoming aware of everything that is going on – including your thoughts. It’s about noticing when we think, and then gently moving your attention back to something else other than your thoughts (an anchor or focus point, e.g. your breath).

3. you’re not doing it wrong

Even a “bad” meditation is a good meditation; it still has all the benefits. Tell yourself that when you rub your leg that has fallen asleep during the last 15 minutes of sitting cross-legged on the floor.

Identification with your thoughts is the reason for stress, anxiety and overwhelm.

Meditation is the best practice to stop this behavior. It helps you see through the illusionary self of the ego, stop ruminating and live life with your senses and not with your head.

Meditation is a simple way to discover the absence and illusion of the ego (fake self).

From the “Making Sense” podcast by Sam Harris.