Everyone who’s anyone these days are meditating. At least that’s what it seems like. And they all look so peaceful and calm. At least upon first look. Do they know something you don’t because you just can’t get the hang of it?
Possibly.
And if so, it’s likely to be the following 3 simply, underemphasized keys to meditating. Try these 3 and see if your practice doesn't take some giant leaps!
Calm will come. Seriously. You wouldn’t expect to lose weight after one day of trying would you? Likewise, you wouldn’t expect to get that promotion after one day of hard work. Same with meditation. Keep trying. Anyone who leads you to believe otherwise isn’t a meditator.
Baby steps. Start with a short period of time in a comfortable position. Your couch? In bed? At your kitchen table? 1 minute? 4? Nothing is off limits. If you make it hard or don’t have the time, you aren’t going to do it. Period. Set yourself up to succeed at least. This isn’t the place to explore your purist roots.
Lower your expectations. Don’t let the word bliss even enter your thinking. Blank slate? Forget about it! You will have a constant stream of thoughts, I guarantee it. Don’t expect anything but what you get. Sorta like telling a tantruming kid, “You’ll get what you get and don’t throw a fit!” Tough love to the rescue.
What key to meditation would you add?