Meditation is not about emptying the mind or stopping thoughts, but rather observe thoughts without judgment.

Meditation is not about emptying the mind or stopping thoughts, as this is a common misconception that often leads beginners to feel they are failing. 

Instead, the goal is to observe thoughts without judgment and gently return focus to an anchor, such as the breath or a mantra.

❀ Key principles for effective practice include:

• Observation over suppression: Rather than blocking the mind, recognize thoughts as they appear and let them pass like clouds, returning attention to ’Now’.

• Focus on one thing: Emptying the mind involves focusing on one object, such as breathing, rather than trying to cease thoughts.

• Reducing mental clutter: While the mind may not become completely empty, daily regular meditation practice helps reduce being constantly sucked into thinking, leading to greater clarity and peace. 

• Acceptance of wandering: A wandering mind is natural; the act of being conscious the pull of thoughts and bringing attention back is the meditation. 

Formal meditation, conscious breathing, mantra repetition, and body scans help anchor consciousness along with yoga, somatic exercise — a practice that focuses on the internal experience of movement and the mind-body connection —, journaling, or other physical activity.

Giving Meaning to the Time Between Your Birth and Death | The Michael Singer Podcast