When people say “you can’t meditate” or that mindfulness is too difficult, it’s almost always because of one thing – judgement. It’s very easy to judge yourself. We sit and meditate, and eventually our hearts wander. We suddenly worry, plan, think too much, then self-criticism begins. “I’m not doing this right.” “Why can’t I concentrate?”
This self-judgment is simply one of the greatest barriers to being present. Would we go to a retreat, attend class, and then what? We want a sense of calm and clarity, but often we come back to the noise of everyday life. Critic voices return and we begin to doubt our ability to “make this right.”
It’s not just you or me. Experienced meditators also experience this. The difference is time, self-awareness and the ability to start again. Experiences teach us that every moment is the chance to start again. There is a certain kind of freedom in it. As my best says, “You have to start again and get a Ziggy.” With the messy and beautiful imperfections of each moment, you will always feel like you are lacking until you become accustomed to the art that begins again.
Understood. For years I struggled to sit in silence. My thoughts took over and I felt like I had failed in meditation and was irritated. I’ll give up. But then, sometimes I stumble at a moment of pure existence. We pulled weeds in our garden, watched the sun dances on the leaves, and sat by a quiet stream. At those moments my mind will calm down and I will just be there. There’s no need to rush, analyze, or perfect. This is a simple and quiet adoration in itself.
Glimpses of pure existence continues to practice. They remind me, yes, I take care and that these small, meaningful moments are life-enhancing. I almost founded Mindful because I wanted to share this with the people I coach. Even the most skilled practitioners are always more than 100% mindful, and almost minded. It is to notice those small, crisp moments, even for breath, to learn to remain there, and repeat this to reinforce the habit of being.
That’s when you click. There’s no need to measure how long I’m thinking. It’s not about living in a calm, permanent state (i.e., who can do it with everything life throws our path?). It’s about those micromoments of consciousness – bright sparks of laughter, glimpses of the clouds, warm tea. Little by little, these moments are planned and create ripples that have spread to our lives.
This is where microdose mindfulness appears. It is to embrace those little consciousnesses. It is a gentle reminder that even small shifts can make a huge difference. Practice like this and you’ll start finding centers more easily. We are less responsive, grateful and considerate. We create ripples that touch everyone around us.
We hope you will join us on this trip. It’s not about perfection. It’s about existence. Mostly mindful, completely human, beautiful and imperfect. We created substances for microdose mindfulness. Join me as I explore ways to microscopicize mindfulness into a more mindful life each day.
