Meditation is our natural state of mind. It’s not about learning how to meditate; it’s about unlearning all the things that get in the way from us doing it effortlessly!

I have spent a lot of time meditating and learning from other teachers. Each teacher had their own unique techniques and approach to meditation and I enjoyed all of them for different reasons. In addition to their differences they also shared many similarities. For example, they each believed that all of us have our own unique path to walk. No two paths are ever the same. Then one day it dawned on me: If that was the case then why am I following these teachings? This is their path and their truth – not mine!

I wanted to explore myself and so I began to let go of the structured meditation practice and techniques that I had learned. I realized that I wanted my meditation to feel more relaxed, intuitive, simple- and just more me!

This guide is a list of five points that have allowed me to do that. Perhaps I needed to go through all the other experiences to arrive here. I hope that this is helpful to those who are beginning a practice, maintaining a practice or are unsatisfied with their current practice. There are many beliefs that make meditation harder than it needs to be and this guide is meant to help bring you back to an effortless practice.

My teacher once said, “Always listen to yourself, and don’t even listen to me.” As always, trust yourself, which is the most empowering thing you can do.

Your Guide to Mediation:

1. There is a right or wrong way to meditate: No way! Tension and difficulty are caused when we struggle with this first point. If we sit down to practice meditation with this belief then we put undue stress on ourselves… and isn’t the point to relax?

2. You need to practice for hours and hours: Nope! This point prevents many people from even starting a meditation practice. 10-15 minutes a day is more than enough. If anything, aim to be consistent with your practice rather than focusing on the length of it.

3. Your mind needs to be quiet and still for it to work: Uh-uh! This is a big sticking point for many people. The mind does not need to be still. Thoughts will always be there but you don’t need to pay attention to them. During your practice if your mind is active just accept it and let it be.

4. You must achieve a certain state of mind: Not true! Avoid hunting for any state of mind other than the one you are currently experiencing. It’ll just create more tension and internal conflict. See what happens when you just allow any old feeling to be there without needing to change a thing.

5. Meditation is separate from real life: Not true! Meditation is our natural state of mind and is not separate from real life. Take your practice with you one the bus, in your car and notice the gifts it brings.

How does this approach resonate with you?

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