Meditation For The Impatient Soul

Impatience is a common barrier to meditation, but it is possible to meditate even if you're really impatient. Meditation is a practice that can help you manage your impatience and improve your mental and physical health. It can be challenging to slow down and focus when you're used to acting fast and seeking immediate results. However, mindfulness and meditation have numerous benefits, including improved sleep, reduced anxiety, increased productivity, enhanced memory, and a lower risk of heart attack.

1. Start small: Begin with just a few minutes of deep breathing and gradually increase the duration.

2. Use a meditation app: Try apps like Buddhify, Headspace, or Insight Timer, which offer guided meditations suitable for beginners.

3. Focus on your breath: When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.

4. Write down your thoughts: Before meditating, write down everything on your mind to clear mental space and reduce distractions.

5. Notice the small benefits: Acknowledge any positive changes, such as improved sleep, increased positivity, or a longer attention span.

6. Don't judge yourself: It's normal to get distracted. Instead of judging yourself, simply acknowledge it and redirect your focus back to the present moment.

7. Try active meditation: If sitting still doesn't work for you, try walking meditation or art meditation to find a practice that suits your needs.

8. Make it a routine: Commit to a regular meditation practice by integrating it into your daily routine.

Recognise that slowing down is a sign of success

Meditation is a practice that takes time to master. It is a journey that is different for everyone, and the speed of change varies from person to person. It is important to recognise that slowing down and taking the time to meditate is, in itself, a success.

In today's fast-paced society, we often expect instant gratification and quick results. However, with meditation, the process is often gradual and subtle. It is essential to understand that taking the time to slow down and be present is an achievement in itself. By committing to a regular meditation practice, you are already on the path to success.

When starting out, it is perfectly normal to feel restless or impatient. Sitting still and calming the mind can be challenging, especially if you are new to meditation. Instead of expecting immediate stillness and clarity, start small and be gentle with yourself. Begin with just 30 seconds to one minute of deep breathing, and gradually increase the duration over time. Remember, the very act of slowing down and taking this time for yourself is a sign of progress.

Meditation is a process of purification. It allows the mind and body to gain deep levels of rest, releasing stresses, fatigues, and toxins. This release can increase mental activity, leading to thoughts and restlessness. However, these disturbances are indications that something good is happening. As Mother Teresa said, "Restlessness is only the surface level of a beautiful wellspring of energy within." Embrace these feelings as part of the process and recognise that slowing down is an essential step towards success in meditation.

Try active meditation

If you're impatient, sitting still and waiting for peace and clarity to come might not be for you—at least not yet. So, instead of the traditional meditation practice of sitting in silence, try active meditation. Active meditation is about getting into your flow and making meditation your own.

Walking meditation is a great way to get active and clear your mind. It involves focusing on the sensations of moving your body around. You can also try art meditation, where you get into the flow of creativity. Whether it's walking, painting, riding a bike, or working out at the gym, making time for an activity that brings quiet to your mind and soul is key.

Even a few minutes of meditation a day can be beneficial. Sitting still for hours is challenging, so don't expect to jump in and achieve total stillness and clarity right away. When starting out, try just 30 seconds to one minute of deep breathing with your eyes lightly closed. If that feels good, try it again over the next few days, gradually adding another 30 seconds each week.

There are also many apps that offer guided meditations suitable for beginners, such as Buddhify, Headspace, and Insight Timer. These apps offer a range of meditations for different situations and objectives.

Understand restlessness and impatience

Restlessness and impatience are common feelings during meditation, and it is important to understand these feelings before trying to manage them. Meditation is a process of purification, where the mind and body gain deep levels of rest, allowing stresses, fatigues, and toxins to be released. This release increases the activity of the mind and body, which can cause restlessness and thoughts to arise.

Meditation is a process of peeling off the layers of nonsense that life has sent your way, to reveal your true self. So, even though disturbances may arise, they are an indication that something good is happening. As Mother Teresa said, "Restlessness is only the surface level of a beautiful wellspring of energy within."

Your meditation experience is often a reflection of your life. If your life is very busy and chaotic, your meditations may be restless and troubled. Therefore, it is important to consciously take steps to balance your lifestyle, which will also support your meditation experience.

When you begin meditation, you may feel more impatience than before. This is simply a matter of having more clarity and being able to identify it as impatience. As you continue to meditate regularly, not only will you become more clear about your feelings, but those feelings which trouble you the most will tend to decrease as your resistance towards them lessens.

The key to managing impatience is to understand that patience is an inherent part of a calm and clear mind. Therefore, instead of trying to "create" patience, simply let go of the noise and your involvement in that activity, and thereby experience patience.

Limit distractions

Distractions can be a huge barrier to meditation, especially for impatient people. Here are some tips to limit distractions and get the most out of your meditation practice:

Find a Quiet Space

Try to find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed by other people. If you're at home, switch off your phone or leave it in another room. If you're using a meditation app or timer, remember to turn your phone on silent so you won't be interrupted by notifications. Inform other members of your household that you are meditating and ask them not to disturb you.

Prepare Beforehand

Before you begin your meditation session, take a few minutes to prepare. You can do some gentle stretching exercises or try alternative nostril breathing to help you settle into a calm state. Take a few deep breaths and be aware of your body, thoughts, and emotions. As you exhale, let go of anything that doesn't concern you in the present moment.

Write Down Your Thoughts

Before you start meditating, write down everything that's on your mind. Making a list of things that are bothering you or making you happy can help clear your mind and reduce distractions during meditation. This way, you can focus on being present without worrying about forgetting something important.

Make it a Routine

Commit to a routine and try to meditate at the same time every day. This way, you're less likely to be interrupted, and it will become a natural part of your daily life. You can also try piggybacking your meditation practice onto an existing habit, such as doing a short meditation after your morning yoga routine or a walk.

Remember, it's okay to feel impatient or distracted during meditation. The key is to acknowledge these feelings without judging yourself and gently bring your attention back to the present moment.

Accept that frustration is normal

It's perfectly normal to experience frustration during your first attempts at meditation. Andy Puddicombe, the founder of Headspace, says, "It is very normal to experience uncomfortable feelings during practice at first, in fact, it’s very natural." You might find your thoughts invading your consciousness, and your mind might be anything but calm and focused. You might feel bored, discouraged, or even angry.

The key is to embrace those emotions. Puddicombe suggests that you "simply acknowledge the feeling, recognize it is part of being human and understand that all human beings experience something similar—even if it sometimes feels like we are the only one."

Remember, meditation is a process of purification. The thoughts, feelings, and emotions you experience are like garbage being thrown out. Don't waste time analyzing your meditation experiences—instead, turn your attention back to the object of your meditation, such as your breath.

Meditation is a journey, and the process is different for everyone. With regular practice, you will gain more clarity and be able to identify and let go of your impatience.

Frequently asked questions