Am I the Only Person On the Planet Who Can’t Meditate?
By: Sienna Clarke
Tags: Life Lessons, Self Improvement, Self-awareness, Meditation, Personal Development

I’ve heard from more than one person that meditation has many benefits for the mind and the body. On more than one occasion, I’ve sat down and made a concerted attempt at meditating, only to find that I can’t quiet my mind long enough to stick to it for more than a minute or two.

And even that’s a struggle.

What IS meditation? Why do so many people swear by it and why can’t I do it?

Meditation refers to a state in which your body and mind are relaxed and focused. People who practice meditation talk about having increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook on life.

It’s most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual disciplines (like the suddenly trendy practice of yoga).

But you don’t have to be a monk or mystic to enjoy its benefits. And you don’t even have to be in a special place to practice it. They say that you can meditate almost anywhere, even in your own living room.

But not in my living room.

There are lots of different approaches to meditation, and though the fundamental principles are the same, it doesn’t matter, I still can’t do it.

One of the most important principles of meditation is supposed to be that of removing obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus.

This is supposed to clear the mind of clutter and prepare it for a higher quality of activity.

But what exactly IS a “higher quality of activity”?

The negative thoughts you have of people who drive you nuts at work, that parking ticket you got, and the fact that your email account has been hacked for the third time, are said to contribute to the ‘pollution’ of the mind, and shutting them out allows for ‘cleansing’ of the mind, so that it can focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.

It ain’t working for me. I’m busy trying to come up with a new email password that more closely resembles a nuclear weapons launch code.

Some people even manage to shut out all sensory stimulation; no sights, no sounds, and nothing to touch, and they try to completely detach themselves from the commotion around them. They’re somehow able to focus on deep, profound thought.

In my world, this is similar to something called “sleeping”. You might be familiar with it.

It’s as close as I get to meditating.

They say that it can seem deafening at first since we’re all so accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as I continue this exercise I’m supposed to find myself becoming more aware of everything around me.

And this part confuses the hell out of me; If I’m becoming “more aware of everything around me”, how am I supposed to shut it all out?

And then there are the ‘positions’.

WTF?

The principle is supposed to be to sit in a comfortable position that’s conducive to concentration. Suggested positions are sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even walking.

Come on now; who meditates while walking? (A show of hands?)

And if you’re meditating while lying down, according to my dad, that’s called “resting your eyes”. Or as I mentioned before, “sleeping”.

The chosen position is supposed to allow you to relax and focus. But on what? How do you focus on nothing?

While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep. But again…

Loose, comfortable clothes are supposed to help a lot in the meditation process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to be constrictive and make you feel anxious.

But “loose comfortable clothes” could also be oh…I dunno…pajamas?

Studies have shown that meditation actually does contribute beneficial physiological effects to the body. And there has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects of this.

If you’re like me and feel like you need help learning to meditate, here are some hacks for us all;

Count.

Close your eyes. Sit up straight (wherever you are is fine).

Take a deep breath in through your nose and silently count ONE. Slowly let that breath out through your nose and silently say TWO. Repeat this until you get to TEN.

Start over each time your mind wanders and you lose your count (which will probably happen a few times and that’s just fine.)

Get your pet.

Simply spending a few minutes petting an animal can be a very relaxing and calming activity, especially when it’s done mindfully.

Try Mindfulness Meditation.

With this type of meditation, the goal is not to completely clear your mind of all thoughts; instead, it’s to be fully aware of your thoughts and surroundings in the present moment.

As for falling asleep while meditating, Elisha Goldstein, PhD, co-founder of The Center for Mindful Living in Los Angeles says that “The goal is, of course, to be awake. But if all you have time for is a meditation as you fall asleep, that’s totally fine.”

Peace :)