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How best to handle resistance to practice?
You may find that sometimes getting around to the formal practices of mindfulness can be difficult and perhaps you may feel resistance to practicing at all.
If this is happening, very importantly, be kind to yourself. It is OK, it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you or that you're not doing something right. It just is and that is okay.
Here are some thoughts and considerations:
Things to Explore
Of course, we've had challenges from time to time getting into a grove with different formal practices ourselves and so have plenty of others. Here are some things to tryout and explore:
Make Space
You may find it easier to do your formal practices if you have a dedicated space to practice. Pick a place either in your home, your office, a relative's home, even a park or garden and designate it as your practice space. Don't laugh, but I modified my closet space to be a sitting, quiet meditation space so I could be uninterrupted.
Get Creative
Don't make the mistake of thinking it has to be all or nothing -- or has to be hours of time. Find pockets of time to practice - during your commute, while waiting for your child to finish sports practice, add 10 mins to your exercise routine, anytime there is a small open space of time.
Be sure to bookmark the recording pages on your phone or tablet so you can easily access.
Different Perspective
Turn not-practicing into a practice: spend 5-10 minutes focused on observing what is happening (what are you thinking, feeling, sensations..etc) as you think about or plan to practice. Be kind, open and curious to learning any particular pattern or reaction that may be there for you. It's a great opportunity to practice being mindful to learn.
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Also notice if you're thinking you need to be achieving, becoming or doing something -- remember that isn't the point - you're not trying to be anything other than who you are. Mindfulness is about noticing and observing - not doing!
Find a Community
If you look, there are lots of options to practice with others. Find a meditation circle, attend a yoga (i.e. mindful movement!) class or meditation class, create your own group of friends to practice with. Check out EventBrite or your local community postings for meditation, walking or other options.
Start Again
If nothing else is working, try to start again and begin as a beginner. Each time you attend a training, you'll learning something new and gain further perspective. So take another MBSR program.
