Have you ever wondered why some days your meditation feels deep and effortless, while other days it feels like a struggle?
The answer is often quite simple: the mind just isn’t ready yet.
Throughout the day, your mind picks up impressions from people, responsibilities, news, conversations, and concerns. Even if you’re not actively thinking about these things during meditation, their echoes remain in the background. The mind hasn’t fully settled down yet.
So when you sit and try to visualize, chant, or focus—it can feel tense, strained, boring, or even frustrating. It’s like trying to drive in high gear when the engine isn’t warmed up—you either stall or burn out.
What Can You Do?
Create a sense of ease before you begin.
Plan some time—maybe 30 minutes to an hour—before your meditation session to unwind.
Turn off the TV. Put your phone away. Skip the news. Stop working.
Let your emotions and thoughts settle. Take care of small personal tasks if needed. Give yourself permission to slow down.
You might enjoy doing something light and peaceful—like:
- Walking slowly
- Looking at trees and flowers
- Drawing or doodling
- Listening to calming music
Do anything that helps you feel light inside.
What If You Don’t Have Time to Unwind?
That’s okay too.
Just sit quietly. Don’t force anything.
Don’t start visualizing or chanting right away.
You don’t even need to close your eyes. Just sit comfortably. Breathe.
Let yourself be—without doing.
As the minutes pass, a sense of quiet and peace will begin to arise.
When you genuinely feel ready to close your eyes, visualize, or chant—then begin.
This natural transition makes your meditation more enjoyable, more sustainable.
There’s no need to rush. Let your mind open gently.
Let Comfort Be Your Guide
Some people feel they must place their attention at the center of the body. That’s the goal, yes—but don’t force it.
If focusing there feels tight or uncomfortable, try resting your attention somewhere else that feels more relaxed.
And if nowhere feels right, just be still. Just breathe. That’s perfectly okay.
As your mind becomes more refined, it will naturally gravitate to the right place—what we call base seven.
New Methods Take Time
Sometimes meditation doesn’t go smoothly simply because the technique is still unfamiliar.
Maybe you’ve heard a method from a teacher and want to try it—but your mind isn’t used to it yet. That’s normal.
Give it time.
Practice both during your formal sessions and in daily life.
Most importantly: keep that comfortable feeling with you as you apply the method.
Let ease and awareness walk hand-in-hand.
Meditation isn’t about control—it’s about readiness.
Prepare the mind gently, and peace will come on its own.
