Letting go of distractions

When we sit in stillness and silence, distractions will inevitably arise. Whether it’s disjointed thoughts, distant sounds or that incessant tingling in your leg, it is almost impossible for the monkey mind to be in only one place at a time.

By repeatedly shining the light of awareness on these distractions, not only can we better understand the nature of the mind, but we begin to hone the essential skill of concentration.

The purpose of meditation isn’t to sit perfectly still and force your mind into bliss. Absolutely anyone can be trained to sit still for an hour, but without awareness, this will be of very little use.

The practice of dharana (dharana - a means of training the mind to fix on one particular point) is about integrating awareness and concentration into your life.

Think of it as training for the main event; by learning to become aware of distractions and repeatedly return to an object of concentration in meditation practice, we can hone this skill for day to day use.

Take a Breath

Next time you feel yourself mindlessly reaching for your smartphone, pause. Take a breath. Question your motive.

Do those red bubbles require your focus right now, or is there something more fulfilling you could be doing with your precious time?

When we regularly practice concentration, especially in the seemingly small or insignificant moments, it becomes possible to observe the patterns of our minds that make up our habits.

In noticing distractions – whether tangible or abstract –greater gaps appear between them, creating a sense of spaciousness, ease and clarity.

Trust this process. It is as inevitable as the distractions from which it arises.

Namaste xo