Beginner’s Guide

Meditation has been valued for centuries for its ability to reduce stress, improve concentration and promote emotional balance. However, for those with a restless mind, the idea of remaining silent can seem challenging. If this is the case for you, don’t worry, you are not alone. This article offers you a guide on how to start meditating, even if your mind is in constant motion.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is training the mind to reach a state of calm and concentration. Although many believe that meditating is “emptying” the mind, in reality, it is not about stopping thinking. It is about observing thoughts without holding on to them, something very useful for those with an active mind. The goal is not to stop thoughts, but to allow them to flow without reacting to them.

Introduction by Alex Guerra at the Retiro in Madrid

In a recent retreat given by Alex Guerra, founder of Wake Up, a special session was held for beginners and people with restless minds. Alex began by talking about the importance of accepting our mind as it is. We all face distractions during meditation, but the important thing is how we manage those moments. Instead of fighting with the mind, Alex suggested a strategy of acceptance: “Allow yourself to be aware of your thoughts without judging them,” he said.

Meditation for Restless Minds

During the session, Alex guided attendees through a meditation designed for hyperactive minds. Here are some of the key points he addressed:

• Focus on the breath: The breath acts as an anchor that helps you stay in the present. Alex recommended focusing on the sensation of the air going in and out of the nostrils as a way to focus attention.

• Observe without judgment: When your mind wanders, instead of getting frustrated, observe it without reacting, as if you were watching clouds pass by. Don’t hold on to the thoughts or judge them, just let them flow.

• Gently return to the present: If you notice that you’ve become distracted, don’t beat yourself up. Simply bring your attention gently back to the breath. This cycle is essential to the practice and, over time, becomes more natural.

Overcoming Distractions

One of the recurring themes during the question session was how to deal with distractions. Alex stressed that there is no such thing as a “perfect meditation”. Every time you meditate, you have the opportunity to learn something about yourself, and distractions are part of that process. With curiosity and patience towards the mind, you can transform a restless mind into an opportunity to develop greater mindfulness.

Benefits of Meditation for Restless Minds

Although it may seem difficult at first, meditation can offer several benefits, especially for those with overactive minds:

• Stress reduction: Learning to observe thoughts without reacting to them can help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Better concentration: Over time, meditation improves the ability to focus without being distracted.

• Greater mental clarity: By observing thoughts, you become more aware of your mental patterns, which helps you make more conscious decisions in your day-to-day life.

Conclusion

Meditation is an accessible practice for everyone, even for those with an overactive mind. The important thing is to start with realistic expectations and practice consistently. As Alex Guerra mentioned, “It’s not about making thoughts disappear, but about learning to live with them peacefully”. With patience, you will discover that meditation can become a powerful tool to achieve greater peace of mind and well-being.

Don’t believe anything you just read, think for yourself.

Wake up

Wake up!