During practice, there may be days when meditation feels easy and days when it feels difficult. If we quickly judge ourselves as good or bad at meditation, we add an unnecessary burden. A balanced practice is to see what is happening and continue doing what is appropriate.
You Do Not Need to Grade Every Session
Meditation is not an exam that requires a high score. If the mind is calm, notice it. If the mind is restless, notice that too. Both are useful information for learning.
Be Balanced Toward Experience
When we do not immediately label an experience as good or bad, there is more room to observe. By seeing causes and effects, we can adjust our practice without criticizing ourselves.
Do Your Part and Release the Result
Our responsibility is to choose a suitable time, sit comfortably, practice with awareness, and continue consistently. The results can unfold according to their causes and conditions.
Practical Reminders
- Do not judge yourself from a single session.
- Notice both calmness and restlessness.
- Learn from experience without self-blame.
- Do your part well and release the result.
When the mind becomes balanced, practice becomes lighter and clearer. We do not need to prove how skilled we are. Simply cultivate good causes consistently and learn one step at a time.
