Are You Not Supposed To Think When Meditating?

The Art of Meditation: Thoughts Allowed?

Ah, meditation! It’s that serene practice that has swirled around the minds of millions, promising a slice of peace in this fast-paced world. But, hold your horses! There’s a common misconception floating around – this idea that while meditating, your thoughts need to take a hike, disappear, poof! Vanish. Is that really the case? Should our brains morph into a blank canvas the moment we sit down, legs crossed, and eyes shut? Well, let’s dive into the heart of the matter.

Unraveling The Mystery: Thoughts During Meditation

First off, let’s bust a myth: the goal of meditation isn’t to forcefully clear your mind of all thoughts. That’s like trying to stop the waves in the ocean. Good luck with that, right? Instead, meditation guides us to observe our thoughts without getting swept away by them. It’s about awareness, not eviction.

Here’s a bit of what you might need to know:

• The Nature of the Mind: It’s the mind’s nature to generate thoughts, continuously. Asking it to stop thinking is akin to asking your heart not to beat. What we aim for in meditation is not the absence of thoughts, but learning how to not engage with them.

• A Different Approach: Think of your mind as a sky and thoughts as clouds. Some days the sky is clear, other days it’s cloudy, and sometimes you might even witness a storm. The essence of meditation lies in observing these clouds pass by, without running off to join their parade.

• The Misinterpretation: Many folks believe the hallmark of a successful meditation session is achieving a state of thoughtless bliss. Nah, not exactly. It’s more about becoming the noticer. When a thought pops up, you acknowledge it, tip your hat, and gently guide your focus back to your breath or chosen point of concentration.

• Roll With It: Some days you’ll find it easier to let thoughts glide by. Other days, it feels like your mind is hosting a rave party. That’s A-OK! Meditation isn’t a linear path but a journey with its ups and downs.

Embracing Your Thoughts

If you’ve been berating yourself for not being able to “properly” meditate because thoughts storm in, take a breather. You’re doing just fine. Here are a few tips to gently handle thoughts during meditation:

1. Acknowledge and Release: When a thought arises, acknowledge its presence, then envision it drifting away or dissolving.

2. The Anchor: Your breath, a mantra, or even a physical object can serve as an anchor. Whenever you find yourself getting lost in thought, gently return your focus to your anchor.

3. Stay Patient and Kind: Self-kindness goes a long way. Be gentle with yourself. Meditation is a skill that develops over time, not overnight.

4. Routine Helps: Regular meditation practice can help you become more adept at handling wandering thoughts. Consistency is key.

Wrapping Up: Your Mind, Your Meditation

At the end of the day, remember that meditation is deeply personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Thoughts during meditation? Absolutely normal. The crucial part is not to let them steer the ship. So, next time you sit down to meditate, remember: it’s not about evicting your thoughts but learning the art of letting them pass by, like leaves on a stream.

Happy meditating!