“ I ’ m not doing it right ”. However , what we don ’ t know when we ’ re by ourselves meditating on our cushion is : 1 . Everyone goes through this and you ’ re not adverse to meditation . 2 . This is perfectly natural . Being with the mind as it is , without judgment , is what the practice is all about ( whether that ’ s chaos or calm ) and it ’ s how the practice is supposed to be . More than being at peace , mindfulness meditation is about being with the mind in whatever state that might be . One day you might feel relative peace , another day might be sheer chaos . However , your approach to both meditation sessions is the same : be with the mind mindfully and nonjudgmentally , fully accepting of whatever thoughts , feelings , and sensations arise . 7 . Remember Why You Practice When it comes down to it , motivation is mostly just a measure of how aware we are of our reasons for taking a particular action ( and the emotional intensity of those reasons ). 8 . Let Go of Expectations ( Just Sit ) Most of us go into meditation practice with certain expectations . Expectations are dangerous because it causes us to judge our meditation sessions and gauge whether or not we ’ re “ progressing ” at the speed , or in the way , we believe we should be progressing at . This is the worst approach to take with meditation practice because it amplifies the already difficult to handle critical mind and makes it seemingly insurmountable , at least until you let go of those expectations . Allowing yourself to relax and sit with whatever comes to you , openly accepting the meditation session as it is , and letting go of the desire for anything more than what is now in this moment . 9 . Make It a Way of Life Meditation isn ’ t a prescription you pick up and use to cure some condition , henceforth being freed from said condition and no longer in need of meditation . Meditation helps us cultivate important qualities such as peace , balance , and a sense of space and work through many big challenges , which gives the practice a real sense of progression . However , the journey never really ends because you need to continue to meditate to maintain those various qualities and benefits . Decide to make meditation a part of your life long-term . 10 . Be Accountable Accountability is key to creating any new habit and meditation is no different . Accountability comes in two forms : 1 . Accountability to yourself 2 . Accountability to others ( single person , group , or both ) 11 . Don ’ t Forget- Have Fun This might seem like a simple or rather obvious tip , however , it seems like a lot of people eventually forget that you should enjoy your practice . If your practice has become a chore , you can be sure you ’ ll drop off soon afterward . It ’ s just the way that it works .
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