Why Meditate?
Most of our days are spent repeating the same habits, emotional reactions, and thought patterns that we've developed and reinforced over many years. On top of that, constant phone and social media use has left most people with minds that are constantly distracted. The more time we spend lost in thought, multitasking, or scrolling social media, the more difficult it is to have a focused and peaceful mind.
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Meditation is a way to intentionally reshape the patterns of our mind. By repeatedly bringing our attention back to an object of focus like our breath, we train our ability to stay present and keep the mind on task. Other practices can develop awareness of emotions and the physical sensations that come with them, like heat or tension. Through practice, you can learn to let these sensations and emotions come and go, without being consumed by them.
Our minds are far more malleable than we realize. Setting aside some time each day to practice meditation gives us a chance to step back from the busyness of life and intentionally cultivate healthier patterns. With the right effort and practice, it can improve how you handle stress, how present you are in daily life, and how you relate to the people around you.
What to Expect
Every experience you have ever had has been shaped by your mind. Every relationship is as good or as bad as it is because of the minds involved. If you are perpetually angry, depressed, confused, and unloving, or your attention is elsewhere, it won’t matter how successful you become or who is in your life, you won’t enjoy any of it.Sam HarrisSee the full collection
Common Questions and Concerns
My mind is too busy to meditate
This is a very common experience with meditation. A busy mind is not a sign you’re doing it wrong, I’d actually argue the opposite. The goal with this work is not to change what’s there, but rather to be able to sit and observe what’s there without reaction or without being pulled into it. Noticing you have a busy mind, but then continually returning to the breath is the primary practice in the early stages. With time, the mind will grow quieter.
I don’t have time
You don’t need long sessions to benefit, even a few minutes a day is enough to get started. Consistency matters far more than length, so a short daily practice will take you further than the occasional long one.
How long until I notice a difference?
Each session will be different, because each day you’ll be practising under different external and internal circumstances. Some days you may notice effects right away and walk away feeling calm and centred. Other times you may feel like you get nothing from the session. Over time, with consistency and effort, the effects will slowly seep into your daily life. You have a lifetime of habits that are working against you, so have some patience with yourself and trust that things are moving in the right direction.
Do I need to sit a certain way?
You don’t need to be sitting dead straight with your legs twisted into a pretzel like images you’ll see online. Everyone’s body is different so work with where you’re at. Aim to have an upright spine, with your hands resting in your lap or on your knees. This can be done sitting down on a cushion, or sitting on a chair. When you’re starting out, use as many pillows you need to make yourself comfortable.
Is meditation religious?
No. Although it’s commonly associated with religion, the practices themselves are available and effective for everyone, regardless of your belief system. You may come across specific techniques that are interwoven with spiritual or religious traditions, but most of the resources you’ll find on this website are secular and based in more modern scientific approaches.