What Should You Think About When Meditating?

Unraveling the Enigma of Meditation

Ah, meditation! It’s that slice of serenity, that oasis of calm in the bustling desert of our day-to-day lives. But here’s the million-dollar question that stumps many a budding meditator: “What on earth should I think about while meditating?” If you’ve ever found yourself pondering this, fret not! You’re about to embark on a journey that’ll clarify this conundrum.

The Zen of Thinking About… Nothing?

First off, let’s bust a common myth – meditation isn’t necessarily about emptying your mind or achieving a state of thoughtless enlightenment. If that were the case, only a handful of Zen masters would ever succeed. For the rest of us mere mortals, meditation is more about the quality of our attention, not the absence of thought.

The Art of Mindful Awareness

At its core, meditation is the practice of mindful awareness. It’s about becoming an observer of your thoughts, not getting swept away by them. Imagine sitting by a river, watching leaves float by. Each leaf is a thought. Your job? To watch them drift past without plucking them out of the water and inspecting them meticulously.

Here are a few focal points you might consider as you embark on your meditation journey:

1. Breathing: The all-time classic. Focus on the rhythmic rise and fall of your breath. Feel the air enter your nostrils, fill your lungs, and then make its great escape. It’s simple, yet profoundly effective.

2. Mantras: A mantra can be a word, phrase, or sound that you repeat silently to yourself. It’s not about the meaning so much as the repetition, which can help to anchor your mind in the present.

3. Visualizations: Picture a serene setting, a blooming flower, or even a golden light bathing your body. Visualization is a powerful tool for focusing the mind and invoking a sense of peace.

4. Body Scanning: Starting from the toes and moving upwards, pay attention to every part of your body, noticing any tension and consciously relaxing those areas. It’s like sending a love letter to your body, one segment at a time.

Embracing the Wandering Mind

Here’s the kicker – your mind will wander. And that’s A-OK! Meditation isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about improving your ability to gently redirect your attention back to the present moment, without judgment or frustration.

The Takeaway

So, what should you think about while meditating? In a nutshell, whatever helps you foster a sense of present-moment awareness. Whether it’s your breath, a mantra, or the sensations in your body, the key is gentle, non-judgmental observation. And remember, every time you catch your mind wandering and guide it back, you’re flexing your mindfulness muscles. By turning your focus inwards and tuning in to your inner world, you’re taking a step toward a more mindful, peaceful existence. So, why not give it a whirl? After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with… well, just a single breath.