Do you think, “I could never meditate because my mind is too busy”? Well, having a busy mind is actually the best reason to meditate, not a reason to skip it! Just like we go to the gym because we’re out of shape, we meditate to calm our busy minds.
When you first start meditating, it can be a shock to see how unruly your thoughts are, just like realizing how out of shape you are at the gym. But that’s okay and something we learn to accept. Through meditation, we understand that having a lot of thoughts is fine. Trying to fight or repress them only makes us tense and feel like we’re failing.
A lot of meditation involves focusing on our breathing. Sure, we often lose focus and get distracted, but the key is to notice when this happens and gently bring our focus back to the breath. Think of it as a cycle: focus on breathing, get distracted, return to breathing. Repeat.
When you catch yourself being distracted and return to your breath, it’s a big deal. Instead of getting frustrated— “Ugh, I’m distracted again!”— celebrate the fact that you’ve come back to mindful awareness. You’ve returned to being present. Appreciate these small wins because they help you feel good about meditating. In a sense, the more you get distracted, the more chances you have to feel good about coming back to focus!
Realizing you’ve been distracted is quite significant. Your consciousness shifts subtly but radically. When you’re caught in thought, you’re on autopilot, without choice or mindful awareness. It’s like being in a trance. When you “wake up” and become mindful again, you can consciously let go of those thoughts and gain a sense of freedom.
Many people believe meditation puts you in a trance, but it’s actually about waking up from the trance of distracted thinking. When you return to mindful awareness, you move from being an automaton to being more fully human. You can choose where to direct your mind—returning to your breath rather than getting lost in thoughts that often lead to anger, tension, anxiety, or depression.
You’re taking responsibility for your mind and even your destiny. You can change the emotional quality of your mind. Instead of being impatient, you can accept that being distracted is okay. You can choose to be kind to yourself and your mind, gently returning your focus to your breathing, much like you would carefully place a baby bird back in its nest.
Choosing to focus on your breathing instead of getting distracted changes your mind over time. Choosing patience and kindness towards yourself also transforms your mind in the long run. You become calmer, kinder, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.