Unblocking Your Meditation Practice
Meditation, often hailed as the gateway to inner peace and self-discovery, can sometimes feel like navigating through a labyrinth of mental chatter and distractions. As you embark on your meditation journey, you might encounter various roadblocks that hinder your progress and leave you feeling stuck and frustrated. But for every perceived block in meditation is an opportunity to dive deeper into self-awareness and growth.
Meditation from our perspective doesn’t always feel good. As with the whole of the human experience, there is a wide and long spectrum of experiences as unique as each one of us. As a meditator of many decades, I can tell you I’ve had anger course through me as well as incredible bliss. This is the path you choose when you decide to dive into the depths of your being. So, one of the first tools in the ole toolbelt when it comes to embarking on your meditative journey, or diving deeper into it, is to release expectation of what it should look like and simply meet your experience as it evolves.
Feeling stuck, distracted, or overwhelmed during meditation is common, and it's important to understand that these blocks are a natural part of the journey. In this article, we'll explore common reasons for feeling blocked, identify potential life phases when these challenges arise, and provide actionable tips to unblock and elevate your meditation practice.
“As with the whole of the human experience, there is a wide and long spectrum of experiences as unique as each one of us.”
Understanding Meditation Blocks
Racing Thoughts
We may write a whole article on this one. One of the most common obstacles is the constant stream of thoughts racing through your mind, making it difficult to focus which can lead to frustration and a sense of stagnation. There are many ways to help navigate the racing mind, and one of the first is to release yourself from the expectation that your mind shouldn’t be racing. We all have thousands of thoughts a day, the vast majority being repetitive thought. Our minds are designed to process thought. The trick is to become more of an active participant in this process. As this awareness builds, you can start to allow the thoughts to move through you instead of spiraling into you. You can start to notice, even if just for a brief moment, that there is space between you and your thoughts. This alone is major progress.
Impatience and High Expectations
A desire for instant results or the pressure to achieve a certain level of tranquility can create a mental barrier, hindering your ability to fully immerse yourself in meditation. While it is helpful to have these goals of transcendence, if you are too attached to them, this can become frustrating. One of the ways to start to move through this block is the concept of allowance. Your journey to elevated states of being may be unlike anything you could possibly plan for, so allow your experience to unfold. Release the need to control your experience, and simply experience your experience. Start with lower expectations, such as just meeting your cushion, and mentally saying to yourself, “I’ve met my cushion, the Universe will meet me from here.”
Physical Discomfort
Physical discomfort, such as restlessness or discomfort in your posture, can be distracting and prevent you from entering a meditative state. Sometimes physical discomfort can be to the extent that we may not recommend meditation, and instead focus on releasing the discomfort first. This may take some experimentation and release of expectations of how meditation looks for you. Maybe, it’s sitting upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, or laying down with the intention to meditate and not fall asleep. The position does not matter as much as your ability to go inwards. Restlessness is a bit different than discomfort, although it can be uncomfortable. Restlessness tends to have a mental origin, and for this we look back towards the solutions for a racing mind. There is also breathwork designed to help us move through restlessness so we can become primed for meditation.
Start with lower expectations, such as just meeting your cushion, and mentally saying to yourself, “I’ve met my cushion, the Universe will meet me from here.”
Life Phases and Meditation Blocks
Transitions and Changes
Major life changes, like starting a new job or moving to a new city, can disrupt your meditation routine. The mind might resist stillness when grappling with uncertainty. This may be a time to give yourself an extra dose of grace as you move through this transition with the intention that you meet your cushion again when you’re ready. You can also view your practice as being a stabilizing force through such transitions, a way to integrate your experience and deepen into it as new ways of being emerge. This is a potent time for practice.
Stressful Periods
During times of heightened stress or emotional upheaval, your mind might be preoccupied with worry or anxiety, making it harder to find mental calmness. Again, grace may be your friend through these periods and it’s also possible that other practices that supplement meditation such as breathwork and/or yoga may be more accessible for the mind and body at this time. Listen to your own intuition while making sure that your wellbeing is still prioritized. Meditation, if accessible, can be a powerful tool for managing the surge of stress and emotional upheaval. It may take more patience, less expectation and more surrender during these periods. Earth school for ya.
Spiritual Plateaus
In moments when you're striving for perfection, you may feel blocked due to the fear of not meeting your own standards. We sometimes hear from lightbeings that they feel they’ve reached a plateau or that they are aching to get back to a mystical experience they’ve had in the past. We view these plateaus as incredibly important periods of integration and embodiment. What we mean by this is that often when you have a transformative experience, it takes time for the mind and body to catch up to the spiritual resonance. We urge you to embrace these plateaus and enjoy the integration, you’ll be onto the next ‘level’ when you’re ready.
“Meditation, if accessible, can be a powerful tool for managing the surge of stress and emotional upheaval. ”
Overcoming Meditative Blocks
We’ve mentioned a few of these above, and this is not an exhaustive list (check out SoulPod to move you through your blocks one ritual at a time) but here’s some more approaches to consider:
Mindful Acceptance
Instead of fighting racing thoughts, observe them without judgment. Acknowledge their presence and gently redirect your focus to your breath or a chosen anchor. Remember, you are not your thoughts, you’re the awareness that sits behind them.
Set Bold + Achievable Goals
Approach meditation with a patient and compassionate mindset. Set achievable goals and appreciate the progress you make, even if it's incremental. The spiritual journey is an unfolding, not a destination.
Breath Awareness
Breath practices are one of the most profound ways to access deeper crevices of your being and to help you move your focus inwards. Focusing on your breath can anchor your attention and bring you into the present moment, preparing you for meditation.
Consistency Matters
Establish a regular spiritual routine, choosing a time and place that suits your schedule. Defend this time from external interruptions and other distractions. Consistency can help minimize the impact of life's transitions and will be one of your most powerful allies to inner alignment.
Guided Meditations
Utilize guided meditation sessions to provide structure and guidance, especially when your mind feels scattered. This is a great place to return to when you are seeking more support and structure. When you feel centered in your practice, perhaps move into unguided sessions (which are really guided by your own inner being) to explore other angles on the spiritual journey.
Body Scan
Incorporate body scans to address physical discomfort if it is present and to welcome wholeness of your experience. Gradually direct your attention to different parts of your body, releasing tension as you go. Remain curious and ask questions of your body, what does it need to share with you or what do you need to know? Doing this before diving into meditation can help soften the experience and build awareness.
Go Easy On You
Practice self-compassion during challenging phases. Understand that it's okay to have moments of difficulty, and treat yourself with kindness. This journey is for courageous hearts and the way through is in.
Explorative Journaling
Keep a meditation journal to note your experiences, insights, and challenges. This practice can deepen your understanding of your meditation journey and reveal new insights as you integrate the experience. This is why we have specific reflection questions after daily ritual in our app, it helps us embody the insights and inner wisdom.
In essence, every perceived block in meditation is a stepping stone towards greater self-awareness, inner alignment and growth. Embrace these challenges as chances to deepen your practice rather than obstacles. By understanding the causes of these blocks, recognizing potential life phases, and implementing practical strategies, you can navigate through them with patience, compassion, and a renewed sense of progress. Remember, your spiritual journey is uniquely yours, and each step you take contributes to your wholeness. See you on the journey, Lightbeing!
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