"I Can't Meditate - I Have Too Many Thoughts"
If you've ever tried meditation and found yourself thinking, "I can't do this - my mind is too busy," you're not alone. This is one of the most common challenges faced by both beginner and experienced meditators alike. But here's the truth: having thoughts during meditation is not only normal, it's an essential part of the process.
Meditation: A Path to Deep Rest and Stress Release
First, let's remind ourselves why we meditate. Meditation is not about achieving a blank mind; it's a practice that allows us to release stress and access deep rest. It's a way to step back from the constant chatter of our minds and find a space of calm amidst the storm of thoughts.
Embracing the Active Mind
Sometimes, your meditation session might feel quite active. You might experience:
Restlessness
Boredom
Agitation
A flood of thoughts
Here's the key: all of this is good. These experiences are not obstacles to meditation; they are part of the process.
Don't Fight What Arises
When we sit to meditate and suddenly become aware of how busy our minds are, our first instinct is often to try to stop the thoughts or push them away. However, this approach usually leads to more frustration.
Instead, try this:
Acknowledge the thoughts
Let them be there without judgment
Gently return your attention to your chosen point of focus (like your breath)
Let the Busy-ness Be There
Think of your mind like a bustling city. When you meditate, you're not trying to evacuate the city or stop all activity. You're simply finding a quiet park bench where you can sit and observe the activity without getting caught up in it.
Allow Stress to Release from the Body
As you sit with your thoughts without fighting them, something remarkable happens: stress begins to release from your body. This release might manifest as:
Physical sensations (tingling, warmth, tension)
Emotional waves
More thoughts
All of these are signs that your system is processing and releasing stress.
Remember: Practice Makes Progress
Meditation is called a practice for a reason. Each time you sit down to meditate, even if it feels like your mind is particularly busy that day, you're strengthening your ability to be present with whatever arises.
So the next time you think, "I can't meditate - I have too many thoughts," remember: those thoughts are not the enemy. They're simply part of the landscape of your mind. Your job is not to eliminate them, but to practice being with them in a new way.
If you’re interested, check the timetable for our next community meditation class.
