How often should you meditate?
“How often should I do this practice and for how long?”
A Zen master said, “I try to meditate thirty minutes every day, but on tough days, I meditate for an hour.” Runners have a similar version. “If running is hard, run more.” I’ll bet every sport has its own.
The question isn’t quantity. You could do your movement meditation practice all day every day, but if you’re not focused on what you’re doing and applying the technique, you might as well play computer Solitaire. Although, given the right focus and mind state, even computer Solitaire can be a meditation.
Do whatever your sport requires for you to be good enough for you to enjoy it. Any effort, when made with intention, counts. Do it until you want to do it more!
Just watch the trap of creating a story about not doing enough. Stay with the direct sensations or observe the thoughts and let them pass. Please take my word for this. That extra layer of an “I’m not enough” story leads to unnecessary suffering. If those thoughts arise, you and I both need to acknowledge them and let them float on by. Also notice, “This meditation would be better if…” No change needed. Simply be aware. We’re doing our best.
I have included more than twenty “Your Turn” exercises in the book Make Every Move a Meditation.
This excerpt is from Make Every Move a Meditation by Nita Sweeney which is available now through Amazon and Mango Media.
