If Meditation is a Struggle, Strengthen Your Anchor

I hear people say, "I struggle with meditation—my brain is too busy!"

The body sweats. The mind thinks.

It also remembers, plans, processes, evaluates, discerns, ponders, questions, ruminates, judges, compares, reflects, solves, imagines, examines, reviews, and so much more.

We can get lost in thought.
If you are trying to sleep or trying to meditate, the churning of the mind can be exhausting. It can make you feel anxious. Through practice, you can choose your mental activities.

I have a shade cloth in my backyard. Gusts of wind lift and drop the cloth all day long, but it doesn't blow away. Ropes tethered to an anchor will keep the cloth in place.

Here are the basics of meditation:
1. Choose an anchor (your breath, your index finger touching your thumb, a sound, and/or a mantra)
2. Notice when you start getting carried away by your thoughts. Without judgment, name what your mind is doing.
3. Smile, you are building awareness.
4. Return your awareness to your anchor.
5. Repeat.

By connecting with an anchor, you can stay grounded in your meditation.
Although it can feel like a struggle, the repetition will strengthen your concentration. This is a practice.

When you return to your daily activities, you will be calmer and more present.