Dr. Brent Garcia, DACM, L.Ac., LMT • October 16, 2017 • Last Updated: March 11, 2024
So much has been written about mediation. So much has been studied. So many high-performing individuals practice it.
I don’t know if there’s anything new I’m going to say about it.
All I can do is give you my experience with practicing meditation. Maybe share some insights? Maybe share some tools that I’ve used.
A Practice
I think the most important word in the phrase meditation practice is not meditation. I
t’s actually practice.
This isn’t some revelation – it’s a recognition by me that I am not going to be perfect at it.
I never will be. And that is okay.
The practice is to do the practice.
Logistics
Sometimes I sit on the couch. Sometimes I sit in a chair. Sometimes I sit on a meditation cushion. Sometimes I drink tea while I’m meditating.
I do my best to have my thoughts be there and not judge them.
But sometimes I do.
Sometimes I listen to headphones. Sometimes I don’t.
I tried the Headspace app. It was fine. Wasn’t for me.
A friend shared the Insight Timer meditation app. I have enjoyed tracking my sessions, but hardly I ever go back and review what I did. Sharing with friends how many hours I meditate per month, or where I’m located, or what I’m doing now, is not of interest for me.
Periodically, I will use a guided meditation from Tara Brach’s website. She has plenty of sessions available, and graciously allows people to listen for free.
Sometimes I practice the Silva Method.
Sometimes I just sit there.
The point is I do not do the same thing every session.
How long?
I used to shoot for 15 minutes, first thing in the morning. I do my best.
Sometimes, though, it is one minute. That’s okay.
Bottom Line
It is all okay. 10 seconds of meditation is good enough.
