What Should You Think About While Meditating?

Unlocking the Mind’s Potential: A Meditation Guide

In the relentless hustle and bustle of contemporary life, meditation emerges not just as a respite but as a sanctuary for the soul. The art of meditation, ancient yet timeless, offers an escape into the tranquility of one’s inner world. Yet, for many, a perplexing question looms: “What should you think about while meditating?” Let’s delve into this conundrum, unraveling the tapestry of consciousness to explore the multifaceted answer.

The Essence of Meditation: Beyond Thought

At its core, meditation isn’t about actively thinking; it’s about experiencing. It’s a journey inward, a profound dialogue with one’s self, beyond the clatter of incessant thoughts. So, when the question arises, “What should you ponder upon?”, the answer might surprise you – aim for the state of ‘thinking about not thinking’. Sounds like a riddle, right? Yet, embracing this paradox lies at the heart of effective meditation.

• Embrace the Breath: Start with the rudiments. Focus on your breath, the inhales and exhales, the life force that moves through you. Observing the breath serves as an anchor, pulling you away from the tempest of thoughts.

• A Canvas of Sensations: Allow yourself to become acutely aware of bodily sensations. The gentle pressure of your feet against the floor or the subtle caress of air on your skin. It’s about tuning in, listening to the whispers of your body.

• The Art of Being Present: Engage with the present moment as if it were your best friend. Notice the play of light and shadows, the symphony of sounds surrounding you, and the tapestry of scents in the air. Here and now is where life unfolds.

Mindfulness: Thinking Without Thinking

Interestingly, advanced meditators often describe reaching a state of profound clarity and peace, a realm where thought and no-thought coalesce. This might sound like a Zen koan, but it’s an attainable state with practice. Mindfulness, a key component of meditation, involves a kind of thinking that isn’t entangled in the past or future but deeply rooted in the now.

• Observing Thoughts Like Clouds: Imagine your thoughts as clouds drifting across the sky of your mind. You notice them, acknowledge their presence, but let them float by without attachment.

• Cultivating a Non-judgmental Space: It’s human nature to categorize and judge. However, in meditation, try to observe thoughts and emotions without labeling them as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. It’s about acceptance, not analysis.

• Embracing Stillness Amidst Chaos: Finding peace doesn’t necessarily mean silencing every thought. It’s about discovering a still point, a serene space within, even amidst the whirlpool of mental activity.

In Summary

Diving into meditation with a preconceived agenda of what to think about can be likened to trying to tame the ocean. The true essence of meditation lies in surrender, in letting go of the reins of your mind, allowing it to find its natural rhythm and balance. Whether it’s focusing on your breath, being present, or observing your thoughts without judgment, the key is in the gentle art of observation. So, next time you find yourself pondering over what to contemplate during meditation, remember, it’s not about filling the silence with thoughts but about becoming the silence itself. Embrace the journey inward, for it is in the depths of stillness that the soul whispers its secrets.