It’s Okay To Think

I remember when I started my meditation practice I used to get annoyed at myself if I couldn’t keep my focus on my breath. I wanted to be a good meditator, and to me that meant being able to stay focused on my breath for however long the meditation was.

Putting aside my unhealthy need to be a perfect meditator and not giving myself the grace to be a beginner, it eventually was explained to me that thinking and getting distracted were part of the meditation.

In fact, the most important moment was when you noticed you were thinking and returned your attention to the breath. Noticing your thoughts meant you were aware of your thoughts, so “failing” actually meant winning in meditation. Counting the breaths is a nice way to build your power of focus, but there’s no scoreboard in meditation.

More often than not now, when I take my mindful minute I don’t count my breaths, but instead step back and notice my thoughts. It’s okay to think. It’s okay if you’ve a million thoughts one day, one repetitive thought the next, and none the day after. Remembering this leads to a much more enjoyable meditative experience.