Meditation Tip of the Week: Don't Think, Meditate

MEDITATION TIP OF THE WEEK

MEDITATION TIP OF THE WEEK IS A WEEKLY SERIES OF SHORT, EASY TO REMEMBER, AND BASIC TIPS ON MEDITATION. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, IS IT HELPFUL?

I’m not sure how many times during the day you find yourself thinking about something that’s unrelated to what you’re doing at the moment, maybe daydreaming, maybe distracted. For me, there are plenty of times when my mind isn’t where it should be or could be. The “could be” is what this week’s tip is about.

When I find myself staring off into space, or waiting for something to happen…maybe sitting at a red light, I realize that if I can stop myself from thinking aimlessly or drifting off into random thoughts, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in short, brief meditation periods. If, just in that moment, I can direct my mind towards its meditative nature, then I can engage in a short, refreshing period of meditation. These short periods can really add-up to give me a sense of accomplishment in my meditation practice throughout the day.

It’s like this, you’re sitting at your computer reading e-mails or waiting for a page or site to load. Suddenly your eye lands on something on your desk, wall or whiteboard that catches your attention, and the next thing you know, you’re off in thoughts having very little to do with your present activity. Or, maybe you’re sitting in the car waiting to pick your child up from school, at even waiting in line to check out at the grocery store.

Instead of letting your mind go where it may, instead of allowing your mind to wander in these short time periods, why not spend your time practicing meditation. Instead of allowing the aimless thought, what would that time be like of you were practicing a “mini-session” of meditation?

Mini-meditation-sessions are really cool! I find that even one-minute of meditation can break thought cycles in my mind and give me a sense of renewal in any moment. How about you?

Maybe you’re already doing this. Does it work for you? When do you find that it works the best for you? Are there special times when a mini-session helps you to think or act differently? Feel free to leave a comment below here and let this community know whether this kind of meditation practice works for you. Your input may be just what others need to get them into gear.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your day!

2 Comments

Sheila Turner March 11, 2019 at 8:43 am - Reply

I have not practiced this but I will start immediately. When I get up in the morning I try to plan exactly what I need to do, such as wash clothes, fold, etc. When I’m going to work, I get in the car and pray for a good day, (working with mental patients is challenging). You are so right about stopping at a red light or standing in line at the grocery store. Lots of people get stressed about something like that. I will immediately start to learn how to conquer these mini-meditations
Jerome, I’ve been following you for a while and I always enjoy your posts.
- Jerome Stone March 14, 2019 at 9:55 am - Reply
  
  Hello Sheila –
  
  I hope that this note finds you well.
  
  Thanks so much for sharing, I appreciate your perspective. You wrote that you will learn how to “conquer” mini-meditations. Here’s an idea; instead of trying to “conquer” them, see what happens when you simply allow them to happen. Open your mind, relax, drop all efforts of trying to “do” anything. See what it feels like if you allow all that arises within your mind to simply arise and then settle back into your mind, without following after your thoughts.
  
  Let me know how this works.
  
  Jerome