Perfect is overrated... just start somewhere

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In the last few weeks, I've been trying to get my meditation practice going on a consistent daily schedule.  I was doing great for a couple of weeks, and then I got side-tracked with the holidays and the start of the semester.  So, I'm trying yet again to start it - again.  As I do so, there are a couple of things that I find it important to remember:


  1. It's a "practice", not a "perfect".  
  2. There's no such thing as a perfect meditation.  Some days will be easier and feel more calming than others, and some days it will be a Herculean effort to even sit still for a few minutes and feel the rambling monkey-mind.
  3. Every day, every moment is a chance to start over.
  4. It's better to make progress than to do nothing at all.


Perfection is overrated.  If you can't sit in silent meditation, spend a few minutes completely absorbed in listening to your favorite song.  If you can't sleep, try falling asleep to a guided mediation.  Yeah, meditation isn't supposed to be done that way; but, some days - whatever works. There are no rules that say you have to do everything a certain way.  If you want to have eggs and toast for dinner, do it.  If it's taking too long to find a pair of matching socks, wear two different ones.  Sing loudly to the music.  Dance wildly.  The only restrictions we make are those that we make for ourselves.  And, sometimes we need a little anarchy and freedom to find peace again.


In honor of Thich Nhat Hanh who passed away over the weekend, here are a couple of my favorite quotes from him for you to ponder and enjoy.  Go with peace this week, and embrace where you are.


“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” 
― Thich Nhat Hanh


“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” 
― Thich Nhat Hanh



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