So you think you can’t meditate? Think again

Meditation is a practice that involves paying deliberate attention to the present moment, without judgment. It is a simple yet powerful technique that helps us connect with reality as it is, rather than being caught up in our expectations or resistance.

While the concept of meditation may seem straightforward, it is not always easy to maintain focus and stay present for an extended period of time. Our minds have a natural tendency to wander, leading to thoughts of planning, worrying, or regretting. This challenge is common among beginners and even experienced meditators. It is important to recognise that getting distracted by thoughts is perfectly normal.

One common misconception when starting a mindfulness meditation practice is the belief that we need to stop our thoughts entirely. However, attempting to completely halt our thoughts is not only impossible but also unnecessary. Thoughts arise naturally, just like the weather changes. We wouldn't criticise the sky for having clouds. Similarly, our minds are not flawed because thoughts arise within them.

Thoughts themselves are not the issue; they are a normal part of the human experience. The problem lies in attaching excessive importance to every thought and allowing them to dominate our attention. Thoughts come and go on their own, but engaging in thinking requires active participation. There are times when thinking is necessary, such as when making plans or solving problems. However, if we spend most of our time lost in thought, we miss out on the precious moments that make up our lives. Overthinking can become addictive, which is where meditation can help restore the balance between doing and being.

Imagine the feeling of being on a relaxing holiday, away from daily stresses, enjoying the simple pleasures of life - the sand between your toes, the warmth of the sun on your skin. Time seems to slow down, and each day feels endless. As you listen to the gentle lapping of the ocean waves, you experience a profound sense of peace. The good news is that you don't have to wait for a vacation to have this experience. Through meditation, we can give ourselves a daily holiday - a break from the busy mind's constant chatter.

We spend so much of our time immersed in thinking that if we don't give ourselves moments of rest, we risk missing out on truly living in the present. Life can pass us by in the blink of an eye, and we may reach the end only to realise that we forgot to truly be present. It is similar to a tourist who takes countless photos to capture memories but forgets to immerse themselves in the actual experience - the only thing that truly exists.

When you sit down to meditate, remember that you don't need to stop your thoughts completely. Instead, give yourself permission to temporarily disengage from the thinking process. Allow the clouds of thoughts to pass by, observing them as they come and go. Sit back and witness the vast expanse of the sky without trying to alter the cloud formations. They are perfect just as they are.