A common question that gets asked in our discord is:

“I get frustrated when I can’t meditate. What can I do?”

A lot of times our struggle becomes the struggle itself. The knowledge that you are not able to reach this state of ‘meditation’ seems to takes you further away from it. You end up struggling with the struggle itself.

It’s natural to chase after a state of mind called ‘meditation’.

If you feel this frustration, then it’s a great opportunity to learn about yourself. To learn, is to observe and experience something for yourself. If we can observe these ideas that our mind creates and chases, its an opportunity to better realise our mind.

Observation and Action

Observation is an very passive form of action and that’s okay. Sometimes, we have to do something to realise that we don’t need to do anything. Observing and simply being aware of what is going on, is a good step to better realise the different aspects of yourself. This realisation is what could be called meditation.

How can we realise the nature of our mind?

By being aware.

Next time you are frustrated or feel a struggle. Be open to it and allow the frustration to sit with you.

If you struggle, then try allowing that struggle to sit with you.

Imagine you are sitting on a bench, and frustration comes along, just ask it to sit next to you. Once it sits with you, find out about your friend. Explore those sensations. Explore those feelings that frustration seems to be created with. Observe the thoughts that ricochet off these sensations. If you get lost in any of these thoughts, then simply bring your awareness back to the sensation.

There is no need to change this sensation, there is no need to remove it, it’s just sitting with you.

You are exploring the sensations/feelings/emotions with your awareness. As you do this, you are being open to these sensations and this openness is meditation.

Remember, meditation doesn’t have to be something you practise just during the session. You can practice this ‘openness’ daily and in all situations.

When you are aware, you are open and accepting of everything you receive, the pain and the pleasure. When you are open, the smoke clears and you see what is behind it. You will realise aspects of you, and your mind on a very deep level. This wisdom stops us from getting lost in our suffering — this wisdom can transform how we approach our selves.