I Can't Meditate

"I can’t meditate, now what?"

So many people I work with think Mindfulness = Meditation. Mindfulness is the larger umbrella under which meditation exists, and their experience with meditation has been rough, uncomfortable, leaving them to feel like they “can’t do it.” I hope to open up your view, even a little bit. 

If you are an “on the go” type, or your mind is often racing, sitting in stillness or silence might feel very difficult because you have gone from one extreme to the next. You can still get there, taking approaches that are gentler and authentic to who you are NOW. 

When I first started yoga, I could not stand Savasana... it was painful to lay there still. I wanted to move - I was so restless. Over time, I got better and I welcomed the experience rather than seeing it as a waste of time. 

Rather than jump to an extreme, think of what might be a reasonable and challenging first step. A moving or guided meditation might be easier. By giving your brain a job (to listen, or to move) you are directing its focus so it does not wander off to wherever the brain wants to go. 

YOU ARE STILL TRAINING YOUR BRAIN - and it is still work, just not as frustrating (hopefully). 

I think most things can be a meditation if you do it with intention. These days, my go-tos are a little more “classic”: sitting meditations, yoga, journaling, time in nature. Some of my favorites from clients are: dance, fixing cars, wood working, playing guitar, crochet, painting furniture, installing flooring, and cooking.  

Depending on what you need in the moment, it might be something you can get lost in, to reduce negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. Or it can help you strengthen that awareness muscle, sharpening your focus and deepening your connection to self.  

I know I gave you what seems like conflicting information, but what I love about meditation is once you develop that awareness (see previous blog) you are able to use your meditation time in a way that works for you. It’s important for us to learn to engage and learn to let go.

Does that open up new ideas for you? I hope so - because if we can find ways to be more mindful throughout our day, it adds up and creates a bigger impact for us!