The long answer: when you notice you are stuck in your mind, pause, step back, and thank your mind for its service. Thank your mind for all of its thoughts, suggestions, concerns. Remind it how smart and clever and valuable it is. And I mean this: literally say these things to your mind and feel them fully. Feel the appreciation and affection you... See more

Here are some rules of thumb that might help you navigate whatever practice you are trying out.

1. Criticizing, judging, or assessing yourself isn’t virtue. It doesn’t help in meditation; it’s just more noise. And if you are criticizing, judging, or assessing yourself, don’t criticize that, and so on, until you wear out and compassion enters.


2. Criticizin

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you start by catching yourself earlier. not in punishment, not in shame — just in recognition. you notice when the spiral begins. you name it without naming yourself. instead of “i’m being dramatic,” you quietly say, “i’m overwhelmed.” instead of “i need to figure this out,” you say, “i need to slow down.” you pause before the thoughts get too... See more