What Do You Think About During Meditation?

Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Meditation

Meditation? Oh, it’s that age-old practice that’s been weaving its way through cultures and hearts, transcending time itself. But hang on a minute, what’s supposed to go through your mind when you’re sitting there, supposedly zenning out? Well, my friend, you’ve hit the nail on the head of a rather intriguing question. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Art of Focusing…or Not?

First things first, meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It’s got shades, nuances, you name it. So, what you think about—or don’t—can depend heavily on the type of meditation you’re embarking on. Let’s split them into two main camps to keep things simple: focused attention and open monitoring.

1. Focused Attention Meditation

In this corner, we have focused attention meditation, a heavyweight champion in the world of mindfulness. Here, your goal is to keep your mind’s eye glued to a single point of interest. Could be your breath, a mantra, or even a pesky fly buzzing in the room—whatever floats your boat. So, during these sessions, when your mind decides to take a hike down memory lane or start plotting your next meal, gently usher it back to your chosen focus point. Rinse and repeat.

2. Open Monitoring Meditation

Now, let’s flip the script. Open monitoring meditation is like being the ultimate bystander at the parade of your own thoughts. Here, there’s no anchor. Instead, you’re keeping tabs on all sensations, thoughts, feels—basically, the whole shebang—without getting snagged by any. Picture yourself as a serene frog on a lily pad, observing everything with a cool, detached air.

The Million Dollar Question: What To Think About?

So, we circle back to the crux of the matter. If your meditation style is more in line with focused attention, then the answer’s pretty straightforward: keep your mind’s eye on that breath, mantra, or whatever you’ve chosen as your focus. Easy peasy.

But if you’re venturing into the open monitoring territory, well, that’s where it gets a tad more interesting. Here, you’re essentially in observation mode. Thoughts about your day, random memories, sensations in your body—all are fair game. The trick? Don’t get tangled. Notice them, acknowledge them, and let them drift away.

• Pro Tip: If you find yourself getting too lost in thought, a gentle mental nudge to return to observation mode can do wonders.

Final Nuggets of Wisdom

Remember, meditation’s not about achieving a state of thoughtlessness. It’s more about mastering the art of guiding your awareness. Whether you’re focusing on a singular point or simply observing the whirlwind of your mind, the essence lies in your approach.

So, next time you settle into your meditation nook, bear in mind that there’s no “right” or “wrong” thought to entertain. It’s all about that gentle nudge, that soft focus, and most importantly, giving yourself a break. After all, it’s your journey and your mind. Happy meditating!