“ I’ m not doing it right”. However, what we don’ t know when we’ re by ourselves meditating on our cushion is: 1. Everyone goes through this and you’ re not adverse to meditation. 2. This is perfectly natural. Being with the mind as it is, without judgment, is what the practice is all about( whether that’ s chaos or calm) and it’ s how the practice is supposed to be. More than being at peace, mindfulness meditation is about being with the mind in whatever state that might be. One day you might feel relative peace, another day might be sheer chaos. However, your approach to both meditation sessions is the same: be with the mind mindfully and nonjudgmentally, fully accepting of whatever thoughts, feelings, and sensations arise. 7. Remember Why You Practice When it comes down to it, motivation is mostly just a measure of how aware we are of our reasons for taking a particular action( and the emotional intensity of those reasons). 8. Let Go of Expectations( Just Sit) Most of us go into meditation practice with certain expectations. Expectations are dangerous because it causes us to judge our meditation sessions and gauge whether or not we’ re“ progressing” at the speed, or in the way, we believe we should be progressing at. This is the worst approach to take with meditation practice because it amplifies the already difficult to handle critical mind and makes it seemingly insurmountable, at least until you let go of those expectations. Allowing yourself to relax and sit with whatever comes to you, openly accepting the meditation session as it is, and letting go of the desire for anything more than what is now in this moment. 9. Make It a Way of Life Meditation isn’ t a prescription you pick up and use to cure some condition, henceforth being freed from said condition and no longer in need of meditation. Meditation helps us cultivate important qualities such as peace, balance, and a sense of space and work through many big challenges, which gives the practice a real sense of progression. However, the journey never really ends because you need to continue to meditate to maintain those various qualities and benefits. Decide to make meditation a part of your life long-term. 10. Be Accountable Accountability is key to creating any new habit and meditation is no different. Accountability comes in two forms: 1. Accountability to yourself 2. Accountability to others( single person, group, or both) 11. Don’ t Forget- Have Fun This might seem like a simple or rather obvious tip, however, it seems like a lot of people eventually forget that you should enjoy your practice. If your practice has become a chore, you can be sure you’ ll drop off soon afterward. It’ s just the way that it works.
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