How To Tell If You’re Meditating?

Unveiling the Art of True Meditation

In an era where the buzz of mindfulness is as omnipresent as the hum of a fridge, it’s no wonder many of us are asking, “Am I actually meditating, or just sitting here with my eyes closed?” Let’s dive deep into the nuances of genuine meditation, peeling back the layers to reveal the core essence of this ancient practice. Far from merely a trend, meditation holds the key to unlocking profound insights and serenity within one’s self. But how can you tell if you’re truly in the zone or just zoning out? Let’s embark on a journey to unravel this modern-day conundrum.

The Telltale Signs of True Meditation

1. The Great Vanishing Act of Time Ever been so engrossed in something that time seemed to slip through your fingers like sand? That’s a common sign you’re on the right track. In true meditation, the relentless tick-tock of the clock fades away, leaving you in a state where minutes can feel like moments and hours can seem like mere seconds. It’s like being in the eye of the storm—calm, centered, and utterly timeless.

2. The Inner Calm Amidst the Outer Chaos Let’s face it; life’s a bit like a blender sometimes, and we’re all just trying not to become part of the smoothie. If you find a sense of calm and serenity that seems almost out of place with the whirlwind of your daily life, it’s a strong indicator that your meditation practice is paying off. This inner peace that anchors you, even when the outside world is a tempest, signifies that you’ve tapped into the essence of meditation.

3. The Welcome Mat for Thoughts and Feelings Here’s a curveball – meditation isn’t about turning off your thoughts and feelings like some outdated software. Nope. It’s more about rolling out the welcome mat for them. The kicker? You observe them without attachment, like watching clouds drift by in the sky. If you find yourself noticing your thoughts and emotions with a detached curiosity, congratulations! You’ve unlocked a new level in the game of meditation.

4. A Symphony of Sensations Tuning into the symphony of sensations in your body can also signal that you’re meditating correctly. This is not just about the humdrum of your heartbeat or the tidal flow of your breath. It’s about awakening to a kaleidoscope of sensations you might usually sideline. Feeling the warmth of your palms, the subtle weight of air on your skin, or the earthy grounding of your sit bones on the cushion? Bravo! You’re in the midst of a meditative experience.

5. The Joy of Savoring the Present If you find yourself savoring the present moment like a fine wine, reveling in the sheer existence of ‘now’, you’re likely in the throes of a profound meditative state. This isn’t about epic revelations or psychedelic visuals. It’s about the pure, unadulterated joy of being alive, here and now, without the need for past regrets or future anxieties to muddy the waters.

Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Meditation, at its heart, is a journey—a meandering path with its unique rhythm and pace. It’s less about hitting specific milestones and more about embracing the ever-unfolding experience. So, if you catch yourself wondering whether you’re “doing it right,” remember that the very act of questioning, exploring, and being curious is the essence of meditation. Each moment of awareness, each breath observed, each sensation experienced is a step on this incredible voyage of self-discovery.

In a world that glorifies the hustle, meditation invites you to slow down and tune in. And if you’re worried about perfecting your practice, let that go. After all, in the grand tapestry of meditation, what matters most is showing up—for yourself, in the present, one breath at a time.