“I’d Love to Meditate, but I Can’t”

If this is you, try my non-meditation-meditation

Photo by Michelle Thall

I’ve heard it so many times — students, colleagues, friends — “I’d love to meditate, I’ve tried, but it just doesn’t work for me.” After years of hearing some version of this, it occurred to me that some people believe they can’t meditate because the image this word conjures up for them is antithetical to something about their being. If I’d have said “let’s take a time-out and chill — I just learned a great new technique,” I know I would have gotten some takers. I’m not claiming I understand the dynamics behind why meditation does not appeal to some people, but I am certain my non-meditation-meditation can work for just about anyone.

I developed this tool while teaching at Bastyr University, partially for myself, partially for a new course, and it has become a go-to when I need immediate stress relief and I don’t have a lot of time. I’ve even done this while sitting in a waiting room annoyed because the doctor is late.

You don’t have to do it with your eyes closed, but I do find it helps. You can sit in a chair, or on the floor; your position doesn’t matter very much as long as you are comfortable and aren’t in fear of being stepped on. I start by doing Ujjayi (oo’jai) Breathing; it’s a form of deep breathing often used in yoga that’s been around since…