Overcoming Common Obstacles or Distractions During Meditation

It’s the time for healing, rest and regeneration; a time when inner peace and a clear mind are cultivated, which is why it’s important to give your time for meditation – your quiet time – the respect it deserves.

However, life tends to get in the way and more often than not, we find our time alone quite jarring because the quiet seems unfamiliar and unnatural. Most of the time, it’s our minds that get the best of us, messing up our equilibrium.

What does one do then?

In this article, we pinpoint some of the most common distractions we may come to expect in our meditation and some of the ways with which we can overcome them.

What is meditation?

“Meditation is a mental exercise that involves relaxation, focus, and awareness. Meditation is to the mind what physical exercise is to the body. 

“Meditation is a means of transforming the mind.”

“Meditation is not to escape from society, but to come back to ourselves and see what is going on. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. With mindfulness, we know what to do and what not to do to help.”

It’s been defined in many different ways but meditation comes back to two important things: mind and body.

Why is meditation important?

Some people find it to be regenerative. Some find it relaxing. For some, it’s healing. Whatever meditation is to you, remember that it’s meant to help you tune in to your mind and body, to start peace, healing and regeneration from within.

Overcoming Common Obstacles or Distractions During Meditation 

Family and Friends

It is during the evening, when we’ve just come home from a tiring day at work or just about to head home, that our loved ones come knocking – literally and figuratively – to get you to come out to play. If your designated time for meditation is in the evening, this is when you have to politely decline and reschedule the social hour to another time.

Furry Friends

Whether you have dogs, cats, rabbits or another kind of furry pet, these little rascals usually park themselves at your feet or somewhere in your vicinity, demanding belly and ear rubs the moment you come in through the door. However, if it’s your scheduled time to meditate, it might help to leave them with a toy or to the care of a loved one in the home. You can always come back to them for some loving after you’re done meditating. They’ll still love you unconditionally anyway.

Gadgets

Stronger than the pull of family and friendship is that of our gizmos. Whether you’re using your mobile phone for business emails and calls or social media, it’s guaranteed to keep you distracted even when its screen is silent.

Your designated meditation time is a good time to unplug from technology. Will yourself to stay away from your gadgets while you’re meditating. Charge them in another room or turn them off altogether – anything to create a barrier between you and the interwebs. It will all still be there by the time you get back. It gets easier over time.

Sleepiness or Tiredness

It’s sometimes when we have nothing going on that the tiredness of the productive day gone by comes over us. You might find yourself waking up, feeling refreshed from a short nap when you’re meant to be meditating.

This is when a little lifestyle change may come in handy. Realign your sleep schedule to allow for actual rest in the evenings. You need to respect the fact that your body needs taking care of and it is when we sleep that it’s most nurtured.

Wandering Mind

This can be annoying and a little unnerving. While the logical solution may be to sweep away the errant thoughts, it might help to look at them and examine them in your mind as they come to you while meditating. It is sometimes in our most restful state when our minds try to work on solving life’s puzzles. It might help in resolving our innermost conflicts while our mind and body as both open.

This is not to say that you should entertain every thought that barges in while you’re meditating. Learn to filter them and discard the unimportant ones. Will your mind and consciousness to focus on only what is important.

Distractions can impede your quiet time and defeat its purpose. If you’re serious about your meditation and committed to your well-being, overcoming these distractions and others more not listed here will be very easy. It may be easier said than done but if the outcome is a stronger, healthier and happier you, no distraction should be too difficult to overcome.