"But I can't sit still to meditate!"

“most people still believe that they aren’t capable of meditation”

One of the most common concerns about meditation that I hear from people is that they can’t settle their minds or sit still. And who can just sit and rest for an hour?!

Well, here’s a secret: Meditation is not about emptying your mind, sitting in deafening silence, or devoting one hour every day.

Too many people believe that they aren’t capable of meditation. They can’t turn off the interior chatter and, therefore, they must not be “good at meditation.”

I practice an active, talking meditation for exactly this reason.

Using a guiding story that I say outloud, I help people focus inward, on their breathing. I walk people through the steps of focusing their thoughts—not emptying their mind. I encourage my clients to open the door to that inner voice, not simply quiet the chatter.

It’s very natural for thoughts of grocery lists or recollections of difficult conversations to enter your mind during meditation. Instead of squashing these thoughts, acknowledge them and shift your focus back to your self and your breathing.

Here’s another secret about meditation: The benefits are extensive. Scientific research finds that meditation has the power to lower your blood pressure, increase your focus, ease anxiety, and reduce pain.

So why not give it a try?