I really admire those people who can say they’ve been meditating for 10 or 20 years without missing a day. I’ve been meditating for 30 years, but I haven’t been able to keep that kind of regularity. I’ve had stretches where I didn’t miss a day for months, but eventually, life gets in the way. I have two young kids, and my sleep is often interrupted.
Despite the irregularity, I’ve still made progress. I’m kinder and have experienced various meditative states, including jhānas and formless jhānas, and I’ve had some powerful insights. However, when I manage to meditate daily, my practice significantly improves. Missing days here and there causes my practice to lose momentum, making meditation feel more like maintenance than growth, and it negatively affects the quality of my life.
I think the difference between those who meditate daily and those who don’t is that the former see daily meditation as a part of their identity. It’s just what they do. In contrast, those of us who struggle view consistent meditation as an achievement, which introduces doubt: “Will I ever get there?” This doubt often becomes self-fulfilling.
So, how long do you need to meditate before it becomes second nature and part of who you are? I’ve gone months without missing a day, but then a late night and early morning throw me off, and I become an irregular meditator again. Is this familiar to you?
Recently, I started using an affirmation to help overcome this doubt: “I meditate every day. It’s just who I am. It’s what I do.” I’ve been repeating this thought throughout the day, even during meditation. I say it before bed and write it down or place reminders where I can see them. This affirmation gradually builds my confidence and shifts my self-image to someone who meditates daily. It doesn’t feel like an extra task but a part of my identity.
This approach is helping me, and it might help you too. Think of it as an experiment. Maybe it will work for you as well.
I’ve met others who manage daily meditation even with challenging schedules. For instance, someone caring for a mother in hospice found moments to meditate and maintain some calm. Another person shared that affirmations help them, even if they don’t sit daily. The key is reconnecting with the intention behind meditation and finding ways to integrate it into your daily life.
Using tools like meditation timers or apps can help. They provide a sense of community and accountability. However, some people, like myself, may find that external motivations can sometimes feel nagging or counterproductive. The goal is to cultivate intrinsic motivation so that meditating daily feels natural and necessary.
Even if you can just squeeze in 5 or 10 minutes of meditation, it’s better than none. It helps maintain a semblance of practice even on the busiest days.
Ultimately, the idea is to find what’s most compassionate and practical for you at any given time. Meditation should help reduce suffering, not add stress. By steadily building the habit and adjusting your approach as needed, you can make meditation a consistent part of your life.
Thank you for reading.