What Can Hold You Back in Meditation

As you start or continue your meditation journey it is important to keep in mind things that can hold you back. Here are a few key ones:

*Lack of Consistency - being consistent in meditation will largely determine your progress and the benefits that you see. It is better to do shorter periods of time and do it daily than to do longer ones sporadically. Then once you establish this habit you can increase the length of the meditation.

*Wondering if I am doing it right - this is something that I struggled with early on. It is important to understand that it is not about doing it right or wrong. It is more about, is what I am doing moving me towards having a greater connection with my awareness and true nature? And as long as you sit with the intention of quieting the mind and going within then you are moving closer to this intention. Keep in mind there are many different ways to meditate.

*Expectation - during meditation it is vital to drop any expectation and simply be present. Many people have unrealistic expectation that they need to be able to completely quiet the mind. This may lead to disappointment and can be counterproductive. Rather just understand that it is a journey and to be patient with the journey.

*Judgement - we want to avoid judging our thoughts and also judging our performance. Instead of judging it is more healthy to accept it as it is.

As you go through your meditation journey, go through it with an open mind and a childlike mindset. Find a type of meditation that you enjoy and can stick with. Remember consistency is key!