Today, we dive into Day 6 of our meditation journey, where we tackle the challenge of releasing judgment. Let’s be real: meditation can often feel tedious, especially when your mind races with self-criticism.

Are you ready to embrace this journey?

Yesterday (or, as it turns out, several days ago), I discussed the importance of carving out time for meditation. The irony is that I completely disregarded my own advice and didn’t prioritize my practice.

What a faux pas!

Today’s focus is on the monumental task of letting go of judgment — a topic that can feel daunting. It’s not just about silencing that inner critic, but about recognizing and acknowledging the messiness that comes with meditation.

Let’s face it: our minds can be chaotic. When we sit down to meditate, instead of achieving tranquility, we often find ourselves bombarded by a whirlwind of bizarre thoughts. Ever found yourself wondering about the back of your eyelids or if you can convince a pigeon to wear a tiny hat?

That’s normal! Your brain is simply processing, and it’s crucial to accept these thoughts without labeling them as good or bad.

In this practice, we must learn to be present — to observe these thoughts without judgment. Imagine your thoughts as popcorn popping in a machine, each one unique and fleeting. Some thoughts may be sweet and enjoyable, while others might be salty or bitter.

The key is to recognize them without dwelling on their content. Just as clouds drift by without any need for judgment, so should our thoughts.

Let’s delve deeper into the nature of our inner critic, often referred to as “Dave” for the sake of this discussion. Dave has an uncanny talent for reminding you of every misstep you’ve ever made, causing unnecessary turmoil in your meditation practice.

Meditation isn’t a competition. It’s about showing up and doing your best, day after day. When your mind wanders to that embarrassing moment from years past, gently redirect your focus back to the present. Laugh it off, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

To silence your inner critic, here are a few strategies:

1. Recognize It: Identify when that judgmental voice chimes in.
2. Name It: Give this voice a silly name — “Nigel Knobhead” works well.
3. Challenge It: Ask yourself if you would speak to a friend the same way. If not, why do it to yourself?
4. Shift Focus: Instead of fixating on perceived failures, acknowledge that you’re taking positive steps for your well-being.

As you embrace mindfulness, you’ll find that the practice becomes less of a chore and more of a sanctuary. Celebrate your small victories, whether you managed to meditate for just a few minutes or noticed your mind wandering.

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to struggle with this process. What’s crucial is to release judgment and be kind to yourself.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore the next step on our journey: Patience and Persistence.

So, go ahead and take a moment to breathe deeply, let go of self-criticism, and simply be present.

Now, go meditate!

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