Why Doesn’t Meditation Happen? | Beginner’s Guide | Samyak Sadhna
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Why Doesn’t Meditation Happen? (A Straightforward Understanding for Beginners)
Does this happen to you too — that the moment you close your eyes to meditate, your mind is flooded with thoughts? Sometimes worries about yesterday, sometimes plans for tomorrow — the mind refuses to stay still even for a moment.
Often beginners get frustrated with this and give up their practice, thinking: “Why can’t I meditate?”
The truth is, not being able to meditate is not your failure. It is simply a small misunderstanding about what meditation actually is. In this blog, from the perspective of Samyak Sadhna, we will understand what meditation truly means and how to begin it correctly.
1. First, understand this: Meditation is not an action, it is a state
Most people try to “do meditation.” This itself is the first mistake. We must understand that meditation is not something you do — it is a state that naturally happens.
In the beginning, what we practice is not meditation but Dharana (Concentration).
• Dharana (Concentration): When you try to focus your mind on one object — such as the breath, a candle flame, or a mantra. Here, you (the practitioner) and the object remain separate.
• Dhyan (Meditation): When your practice deepens and you become so absorbed in the object that you forget yourself.
• Samadhi: When there is no separation between you and the object — you become one with it.
Therefore, as a beginner, you do not need to directly “enter meditation.” Your task is simply to practice concentration. Meditation will arise naturally as a result.
2. Why does the mind wander?
When we sit for meditation, the mind starts creating stories. That is its nature. Sometimes memories of the past appear, sometimes dreams of the future.
When this happens, do not get angry with yourself. Understand that producing thoughts is the job of the mind. The moment you realize that your mind has wandered, gently smile and bring your attention back to your practice. This return is the real sadhana.
3. How to begin? (The Breath-Counting Method)
If you are a beginner, breath counting is one of the most effective methods. You can practice it like this:
Correct posture:
Sit in Sukhasana or Padmasana. Keep your spine and neck straight. Place your hands on your knees in Chin Mudra (thumb and index finger touching).
Resolve:
Decide in your mind that you will sit for the next 10 minutes without getting up.
Counting method:
• Inhale → mentally say 1
• Exhale → mentally say 2
• Inhale → 3
• Exhale → 4
Continue like this up to 10.
Repeat:
After reaching 10, start again from 1.
Important:
If your mind wanders and you lose count (for example, you suddenly find yourself at 13 or forget the number), simply return to 1 without blaming yourself.
4. Three Golden Rules to deepen meditation
Meditation is not magic — it is discipline. If you follow these three principles, your mind will become steady more easily:
(1) Fixed Time
Choose a specific time every day — for example 6 AM or 7 PM. Just like the body knows when to eat and sleep, it will gradually recognize your meditation time.
(2) Fixed Place
Select one quiet corner of your home for practice. That space will develop a supportive energy over time. It is better to sit on the floor rather than on a bed or sofa.
(3) Consistency
Meditating 10 minutes every day is far better than doing 1 hour once a week. Regularity is the key.
Conclusion
“Not being able to meditate” is actually the first step of meditation. The very moment you realize that your mind is distracted, you have already become aware. Remain patient and continue your practice.
If you truly wish to deepen your journey in yoga and meditation, walk this path with Samyak Sadhna and experience inner stillness, clarity, and harmony in your life.
This blog is based on a video from our YouTube channel ‘SamyakSadhna'. If you feel called to go deeper, you may explore our YouTube channel for guided meditations and spiritual reflections.
Samyak Sadhna Team
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