Weekly Meditation - Mid-Week Pause

Thank you for asking this question. It's the most commonly asked question about meditation. One important thing about meditation is beginner's mind - always coming 'to the cushion' or to a session not knowing. We sit to focus our mind on the breath in Vipassana or Insight meditation so that we can become aware of what is happening right here right now in our bodies, our minds, and our hearts. Then we notice what is happening, we want to turn toward it with loving awareness and no judgment.

Great question. Everyone, even the most practiced meditators will tell you that their mind wanders. That is the practice - to notice the wandering mind and begin again. You might even say, 'thinking, planning, remembering' or whatever it is you notice your mind is doing when you become aware. And then return to the breath.

This is a common concern. Whenever anything arises in meditation that feels like too much, it's important to come back to the breath or even breathing into a stronger anchor like the hands, feet, and belly to feel grounded in the body. Being in a group where you are being guided is a safe place to practice meditation.