In meditation, striving too hard is counterproductive. Meditation isn’t a peak to climb but a state to return to.
Imagine you're on a journey, not to reach the summit of a tall mountain but to find a peaceful, hidden meadow. The path isn't steep or challenging; it's gentle and inviting. Every step you take, every breath you draw, brings you closer to a place you already know deep inside. This journey isn't about conquering or pushing yourself to the limit. It's about returning to a serene state of being that is always within you, waiting to be rediscovered.
Meditation is like that journey to the hidden meadow. Often, people think of meditation as a skill to master or a goal to achieve. They sit down with the best intentions, ready to conquer their minds, striving to reach an elusive state of perfect calm or profound insight. But in reality, this striving can become a barrier. When you push too hard, you might miss the simple, quiet essence of meditation. It's not about climbing a peak; it's about coming back to a natural, peaceful state.
Think of a pond with still water. When you throw a stone into it, ripples spread across the surface, distorting the reflection. Striving in meditation is like continuously tossing stones into the pond, hoping to see a clear reflection. The more you throw, the more disturbed the water becomes. Instead, if you let the pond be, if you allow the water to settle naturally, the reflection will return on its own. Meditation works the same way. When you stop striving and simply allow your mind to settle, clarity and peace will emerge naturally.
In our busy lives, we're often conditioned to believe that effort and hard work are the keys to success. We push ourselves to achieve, to excel, to be the best. This mindset can be helpful in many areas of life, but when it comes to meditation, it can be counterproductive. Meditation is not about achieving anything. It's about letting go, about surrendering to the present moment and allowing yourself to just be.
Imagine you're trying to fall asleep. The more you focus on trying to sleep, the more elusive sleep becomes. You start worrying about how many hours of sleep you'll get, and that worry keeps you awake. But when you stop trying so hard, when you just relax and let sleep come to you, you naturally drift off. Meditation is similar. The more you strive to meditate perfectly, the more your mind resists. But when you let go of expectations and simply sit with whatever arises, you slip into a meditative state more easily.
Let's take another analogy: think of a cat. Cats are masters of relaxation. They don’t strive to be relaxed; they just are. They find a sunny spot and stretch out, fully present and at ease. They don’t worry about being the best at lounging—they simply enjoy the moment. In meditation, we can learn a lot from cats. It’s not about being the best meditator; it’s about finding your sunny spot and letting yourself be.
So, how can you practice this? Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly. Don’t worry about doing it right. Just sit. Notice your breath, your thoughts, and your feelings without trying to change them. Allow everything to be as it is. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath or your chosen point of focus. There’s no need to judge yourself or your practice. Remember, the goal is not to achieve anything but to return to a state of natural calm.
Think of meditation as coming home after a long day. You don't rush through the door and immediately start tidying up or organizing things. You take off your shoes, relax, and settle into the comfort of your own space. Meditation is about returning to that inner space where you feel at ease, where you can be yourself without any pressure.
When you approach meditation with this mindset, it becomes a nourishing practice rather than a stressful task. You start to look forward to those moments of stillness, knowing that they are a gift you give to yourself. Over time, you may find that this peaceful state begins to permeate other areas of your life, helping you stay calm and centered even amid chaos.
So next time you sit to meditate, remember that you’re not climbing a mountain. You’re simply coming back to a place of peace that’s always within you. Let go of the need to strive and allow yourself to just be. The journey is not about reaching a peak but about finding your way back to that serene meadow, that still pond, that sunny spot. It’s about returning to a state of being that’s always there, waiting for you.
In essence, meditation is not about striving for a peak but about gently returning to a peaceful state within.
As you move forward, ask yourself: How can I let go of striving and allow more moments of peace and presence into my daily life?
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
