What To Do While Meditating?

The Art of Sitting Still: A Meditator’s Guide

Meditation, oh sweet meditation—often touted as the elixir for everything from stress to chronic pain, but let’s face it, diving into the depths of your own consciousness can sometimes feel like trying to tame a wild stallion. So, what exactly should you be doing while sitting cross-legged, attempting to find your inner zen?

Mastering the Basics: More Than Just Breathing

First things first, let’s debunk the myth that meditation is merely sitting silently, trying to think about nothing. That’s about as possible as trying to convince a cat to fetch; curious creatures, our minds are not easily persuaded to stay in one place.

1. Set the Scene

Kick things off by ensuring your environment is conducive to tranquility. You wouldn’t expect a seed to sprout in unfertile soil, right? Similarly, set yourself up in a quiet, comfortable spot where interruptions are as rare as hen’s teeth. A cushion or chair that keeps your back straighter than a sergeant major is key.

2. Intention is Your Compass

Without an intention, your meditation can wander off faster than a toddler at a carnival. Reflect on what brought you to your cushion. Are you seeking serenity, clarity, or perhaps to cultivate compassion? Let this intention guide your practice like a lighthouse steering ships to shore.

3. Anchor Your Attention

Imagine your mind is a puppy, playful and easily distracted. You need an anchor, something to gently bring your attention back when it starts chasing squirrels. Your breath, with its rhythmic rise and fall, serves as an excellent anchor. Alternatively, a mantra or focus on a specific body part can work wonders.

4. Embrace the Parade of Thoughts

Ah, thoughts – they’ll crash your meditation party no matter how many times you tell them the guest list is full. Instead of fighting them, observe them like clouds floating by or a parade marching down the street. Acknowledge their presence, but don’t run off joining the procession. Remember, you’re merely the observer, not the over-enthusiastic parade follower.

5. A Dab of Loving-Kindness

Don’t be stingy with sprinkling some loving-kindness into your session. Picture someone you care about and quietly wish them happiness, health, and peace. This practice not only polishes your heart but also reminds us of our shared human experience, knitting the fabric of our interconnectedness tighter.

The Road Ahead: Patience Paves the Way

Like learning how to ride a bike, meditation is fraught with wobbles and moments of doubt. However, the magic lies not in achieving a perfectly empty mind but in the journey of self-discovery it unfolds. With each session, you’re tilling the soil of your mind, planting seeds of awareness that, with patience and practice, will blossom into a tranquil garden.

Remember, the path of meditation is marinated in patience. It’s not about instant enlightenment or becoming a Zen master overnight. Rather, it’s an ongoing exploration, a voyage into the depths of your own essence. So, the next time you find yourself wondering what you should be doing while meditating, simply smile, return to your breath, and remember, you’re exactly where you need to be.