Am I just not good at meditating?
We get lots of great questions from new meditators. Here's one of our favorites, answered by WITHIN teacher Devon Pipars.
Q: I’m not good at meditation. I’ve tried it a couple of times, but my mind just keeps going and going!
A: It's impossible to be a bad meditator.
That's like saying you're bad at existing. You're not good or bad at it, you just exist!
The truth of meditation is that you’re not actually doing it - in the same way you’re not doing sleep. Being still and relaxing simply creates a favorable circumstance for both. But unlike sleep, in meditation nothing is actually coming or going. The subtlest level of reality is always fully present.
Closing your eyes and turning your attention inward allows you to notice the unchanging background of all experience.
If you think you’re not good at meditation, it’s because you have an idea that thoughts shouldn't be happening while you meditate. You're not alone! This is a very common misconception. But actually, the activity (or stillness) you notice within isn't an indicator of success.
Your job while meditating isn't to stop thinking, nor to judge.
It's to be the witness, the neutral observer of your consciousness.
Devon teaches at WITHIN on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. She has a passion for helping students deepen their practice, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience. Join her for a class this week, or take her #MindfulStart Course!