The Drifting Dilemma

                                                                                                                                                                              

October 9, 2023 (repost from July 25, 2022)

One thing that I hear often, or rather the one thing that I hear DAILY, is: 

"When I try to meditate, my mind wanders SO MUCH, and it's frustrating! I can't get a good session sometimes. What am I doing wrong?"

My answer to this is, NOTHING. This is normal, and the most common concern with meditation. Guess what? It happens to me, too, and I'm a trained coach!  Yes, it is frustrating, but we all need to approach this concern with a touch of grace for ourselves. 

It is nothing new that we are all racing against the clock to accomplish several things throughout our day, which usually turns our day into one checklist after another. But, I can promise that one thing not typically found on those checklists is:  slow down. Don't let your mind (and, in turn, your body) become bogged down with an impossible amount of tasks! When those checklists aren't completed, the guilt starts to seep in, and that takes a slow toll, as well.

There are some tips and tricks that I can offer to help with your meditation sessions:

 

Use (choose) your time wisely   

  Meditation is a GREAT morning activity, it's a chance to start your day on a calm path and set your intentions for the day. If you feel like morning sessions steer more towards your to-do list, maybe take a midday "brain break" to meditate, when some of your tasks have been ticked off your list. 

Maybe nighttime sessions would work for you to use as a reflection of your day, and what to do differently tomorrow. Whichever time you choose, make sure that it's not when you're in a sleepy state, as I've heard of people falling asleep. Not a productive session!

 

Listen closely     

 This sounds a bit oxymoronic considering meditation is about shutting out all outside distractions, right? But I actually do mean just that, by suggesting you use a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Not for music, although it's an effective method, but to divert your attention back to your breathing. 

Have you ever placed your hands over your ears to lessen loud noises? This is the same concept. It will allow you to actually hear your own breath and re-gain your focus.

 

See with your eyes closed      

  Yes, that is what I said. I don't know one person that doesn't see something when they close their eyes. Some people see a picture image of the last thing they looked at before closing their eyes, some people see patterns...but why not visualize instead of see? 

Ever heard of a "happy place"? This could be your favorite vacation spot, maybe the memory of visiting your grandparents' house during the holidays, or simply the face of your child. Let your mind wander to somewhere you want it to go. 

So, as frustrating as your mind wandering may be sometimes, don't feel upset with yourself and let it ruin your session - or your day! 

Namaste