Join us for our online mindfulness group // Tues 31st March, 7-8pm AEDT // Guest facilitator: Smiling Mind

@Former-Membermy mind wondered almost the whole time. I found it really hard to bring my mind back to the moment. And then I got angry at myself for not being able to do it properly. The judgements set in.

But that is about the norm for me when I try and concentrate on my breath.

My mind did wander back and forth quite a bit with life stressors, and it's amazing how even within that small amount of time how I could get completely lost in those thoughts again and again (and bring myself back to the breathing). It must be amazing how quickly the mind does work.

I actually felt so uptight and distracted at the start that I was about to say to myself this isn't a good time to meditate I'm not doing this.

But I persisted! There's nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving it a try.

Although I will say there are those times I just can't sit still and for me it is better to do something physically active at those times.

Oops I noticed a typo in my post. It should read "we're NOT striving to be 100% present all the time". Sorry everyone!

Oh that's so awesome! This three step strategy 🙂 @SmilingMind You're so right, the process is about re-focusing as much as it is iniitally focusing! @Snowie I think this could be a good one for you and I to remember, it's important not to be harsh on ourselves as the mind does what it does best.

yeah @DrZoidberg agreed, I think there's a lot to be said for physical activities as a form of mindful focus - thanks heaps for sharing that.

my mind wondered almost the whole time. too @Snowie , @Former-Member , @SmilingMind , but kept on bringing it back

I think it takes pratice too

hello @Chappy0401

Thanks for sharing @Snowie. A busy and distracted mind is one of the hardest things about learning to meditate. And just as we practice focusing, losing focus, and re-focusing, over and over and over, we also aim to keep cultivating the attitudes of mindfulness - being open, curious and non-judgemental about our experience. This takes time and practice! What we practice grows stronger so if we keep practising being patient and kind with ourselves, over time, this gets easier and comes more naturally. Keep up the great work!