5 Most Common Ways To Overcome Difficulty Meditating
There was a time I would be the first one to say, “Phooey, to meditation. That’s not for me. I can’t sit still for so long, I could never meditate!”
Like so many people who are learning to be mindful, at first I found it very difficult to meditate.
But, just look at me today! Yes, I meditate for a minimum of ten minutes every day. And, yes, every day, I’m still learning how to meditate mindfully -mindfulness takes practice — often. The main thing is I’m training the mind to be in the moment.
When I started many questions were running through my head.
When will I find the time? Working long hours, constantly running behind, trying to get ahead of my to-do list and life’s obligations, there was just no time at the end of the day to make dinner, so I’d order in, often. When would I find the time to meditate?
Once I realized that I didn’t have to sit, cross-legged for hours, chanting and that just meditating for one minute, three minutes, five minutes, or even an hour was enough, I felt I could do it. But…
- How would I find the time? At night, when lying down in bed, I’d try to take 10 conscious breaths. Breathe in and out while counting. At first, I found it difficult to stay focused for even such a short period, in which case I’d start again. At every point when I’d notice that my thoughts were straying from my breath, I’d return to the count. Then, I’d do it again when I woke up in the morning. The best mindfulness practice is the one that appeals to the individual and that can be integrated most easily into your current lifestyle. Eventually, I graduated to the mindfulness practice of guided meditation in the mornings, because it appealed enough to become part of my daily routine, just like brushing my teeth or taking a shower. If one minute of meditation works for you, that’s alright, too, the important thing is that you are mindfully meditating. This leads me to another question that was constantly going around and around in my head.
- How will I ever be able to stop thinking? My mind is always busy, with so many things popping into my head all the time. This is all good. This is normal. When your brain starts to wonder, this means you are meditating. Notice everything going around in your head, and just escort your mind back to your breath. When it happens again, and again — your mind is wandering — simply come back to your breath. Congratulations, you’re now learning to master the practice of mindful meditation! This will happen again and again, there’s no limit to the number of times you will be distracted — simply come back to your breath, each time. Meditation is returning again and again to the breath.
- Should I scratch that itch? How often have you been told to hold still for a few seconds, maybe for an X-Ray, and as soon as you do your nose starts itching, or you just have to scratch that itchy hand? Yes, you can scratch it. But, first, try to see if you can ease the itch with your mind before using your fingers.
- How should I breathe? At first, when I was instructed to focus on my breath, I felt myself inhaling deeply, then exhaling slowly. I think I almost turned blue during the exercise! Never in my life was I so conscious of how I was breathing. No worries, you don’t have to be. Just breathe normally, the way you always do — naturally. Don’t force it.
- Is there a best time to meditate? Experiment. Whatever feels right to you is the best time. When you find your time, make it a habit. Meditate at the same time every day. I find mornings are best for me. I meditate first thing in the morning. Sometimes, I do it lying in bed, or other times, sitting quietly with the sunlight slowly peeping in through the window. Nowadays, if I miss my morning meditation, somehow, my day becomes challenging!
Mindfulness is an easy and gradual process that can eventually seep into and inform your every moment. You can do it whenever and wherever, and every time you remember.
There are so many ways to practice mindfulness.
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just need to remember to do it.” — Sharon Salzberg
This article was originally published on my site at https://donnapresents.com/5-most-common-ways-to-overcome-difficulty-meditating/.
Meditation is a habit that may come easily to some. I have been meditating for over five years, but there were many days I found myself slipping. These days, not so much, not since I completed the no-cost Action Habits Challenge by Connie Ragen Green, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, independent publisher, and serial entrepreneur. You can check it out here.
If you’re interested in revitalizing your life through meditation and would like to learn a virtually risk-free, and cost-effective practice, that people of all ages can do with a little patience and guidance and that will serve you for the rest of your life, I would love to connect with you. You can connect with me here.
I’m Donna SLam, who loves to blog about how meditation brings self-compassion, peace of mind, and clarity to my life and others by sharing tips and strategies on how to live a fulling and purposeful life. I enjoy championing others to lead a healthy and happy life through meditation, walking, self-development, and spending time with loved ones.
