Suggested reading from Bliss More:
Continue reading Chapter 2 (or Chapter 6 in the audiobook), up to pg 49, just before GO E.A.S.Y. ON YOUR MIND (18 mins)
We never want to find ourselves waiting for thoughts to stop in meditation, because thinking is the nature of the mind. We all experience between 60,000 to 90,000 thoughts per day. That's an average of three thoughts every second.
The anti-focus approach
While we can't stop thoughts, we can position ourselves to drop into a more settled state, where thoughts naturally feel like less of a distraction. We do this by adopting the anti-focus attitude with our mind in meditation. It's never about getting rid of thoughts. It's about seeing all thoughts as a legitimate part of the meditation experience—kind of like how getting wet is a necessary part of the swimming experience.
Today's Challenge:
Instead of focusing on anything, letting go of anything or noticing anything, you're just going to practice being comfortable while swimming in your thoughts. Treat your thinking mind as a noble ally in your meditation experience—not the enemy. Practice this approach for 12 minutes today. Here are your instructions:
Find a comfortable seat (no lying down)
Set a soft alarm for 12 minutes
Close your eyes
Be passive with your mind, no focusing whatsoever. Allow yourself to indulge in your thoughts
Stay relaxed in your body
When the alarm goes off, you're done
Assessment
The friendlier you are with your thinking mind, the easier your meditations are going to feel over time. And we haven't even gotten to the meat of the technique yet. That will come over the next couple days. For now, we're still laying the foundation for your E.A.S.Y. approach in meditation. Did you find yourself judging your mind or resisting any of your thoughts? It's normal if you did. But each time you meditate, you'll become increasingly more accepting.
Accountability Exercise
Post a photo or a video that represents something you appreciate, respect, admire, or love. This is the same type of feeling that you will begin to project onto your mind in meditation. It may seem forced at first, but over time it will feel like second nature. Make sure to tag #blissmore and #blissmorechallenge so we can follow your progress.
Sample accountability post
Day five of the Bliss More meditation challenge! That time I visited the Grand Canyon and was blown away by its beauty and mystery. This is how I'm starting to appreciate my mind in meditation—both beautiful and mysterious. #blissmore #blissmorechallenge
Wanna get a head start on tomorrow's reading?
Read the rest of Chapter 2 (or Chapter 6 in the audiobook) (7 mins)
(Follow #blissmore to see everyone’s progress)