After a full year of practicing meditation three times a day, I’ve come to a powerful realization—there is no wrong way to meditate. The more I’ve sat with myself, the more I’ve come to understand that meditation isn’t about achieving some perfect state or doing it “correctly.” It doesn’t matter where you are—whether you’re in a quiet room, outside under a tree, or even sitting in your car during a break. It doesn’t matter how you’re sitting, as long as you’re comfortable and safe. Whether your hands are in your lap, resting on your knees, or just hanging naturally by your sides—it all works. The truth is, if you’re showing up and making space for yourself, if you’re trying—you’re already doing it right.
One of the biggest myths I’ve let go of is the idea that you have to “clear your mind” completely or reach some sort of out-of-body state. That pressure can really hold people back. Meditation is actually more about presence than perfection. It’s about being aware in the moment—whatever that moment looks like. Even if your thoughts are racing or you’re feeling restless, simply noticing that and gently returning to your breath is enough. Sometimes I’ll just sit for five or ten minutes and do nothing but follow the rhythm of my breathing—inhale, exhale, repeat. That alone can shift my entire day.
Over time, I’ve explored a few simple techniques that have really helped deepen my practice, like body scans, where I slowly move my attention through different parts of my body, or using a mantra—just repeating a calming phrase or word with each breath. I also love focusing on sounds around me or even doing a walking meditation where I bring awareness to each step. But none of these are requirements—they’re just options, tools to support the core of what meditation really is: being here, now. And the more I let go of trying to “get it right,” the more right it actually feels.
Now that I’m more comfortable and connected with my practice, I’ve started to really enjoy freestyling my sessions. I’ll often blend different elements together, like moving between deep belly breathing, box breathing, and more natural breath awareness, all in one sitting. I might begin with a grounding mantra, then shift into observing sensations in the body, and finally just rest in silence for a few minutes. Letting the flow of the moment guide me feels natural now, like I’m creating my own rhythm instead of following strict rules. That freedom has made my practice feel even more personal, intuitive, and alive—and I think that’s what makes it really meaningful.
Here’s a simple breath, still mind meditation to try
Okay, find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down anywhere you like.
You can close your eyes gently, or keep a soft gaze downwards. Let your body settle and relax.
Now, bring your awareness to your breath. You don't need to change it in any way, just notice the natural rhythm of your inhales and exhales.
Feel the air as it enters your nostrils. Notice the slight coolness on the inhale.
And feel the air as it leaves your nostrils. Notice the subtle warmth on the exhale.
Follow the breath as it travels down into your body, perhaps feeling a gentle rise in your chest or abdomen on the inhale.
And notice the gentle fall on the exhale.
Your mind might wander. Thoughts will arise. This is perfectly normal. When you notice your attention has drifted, simply acknowledge the thought without judgement, and gently guide your awareness back to your breath.
Just keep watching. Inhale. Exhale. Simple.
There is nothing else you need to do right now. Just be with your breath.
Just keep doing this for as long as you like – I find 10 minutes works for me.
As you begin to bring this meditation to a close, take a deeper breath in, and a long, slow breath out.
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes. If your eyes are closed, you can slowly open them when you feel ready. Take a moment to notice how you feel.
This was a simple practice of just watching your breath. You can return to this simplicity anytime you need a moment of calm.
No Wrong Path
The Way that can be named
is not the eternal Way.
The correct meditation that can be taught
is not the eternal meditation.
For a year, the breath was witness,
thrice a day, the stillness sought.
Yet the powerful knowing arrives:
no single path leads to the door.
It is not in the perfect posture,
nor the hallowed space alone.
Under the open sky, in the metal cage,
comfort and safety become the true throne.
Hands open, or resting low,
or falling where they will,
the showing up, the offered space,
this is the practice fulfilled.
The myth of the empty mind,
a shackle on the seeking heart.
Presence, not perfection, blooms,
in the fragment, a brand new start.
Racing thoughts, a restless frame?
To notice is the gentle art.
Returning to the breath's slow tide,
shifts the currents of the heart.
Techniques emerge, like whispers soft,
body's map traced with gentle hand,
mantra's hum, a steady friend,
sound's embrace, across the land.
Walking slow, each step aware,
tools, not tenets, freely chosen.
The core remains: to be right here,
the present moment, clearly known.
To cease the striving for the "right,"
allows the rightness to unfold.
Comfort deepens, connection grows,
a story of stillness, bravely told.
Now, the dance begins anew,
freestyle sessions, breath unbound.
Belly deep, the box's hold,
natural rhythm, gently found.
A grounding word, then body's hum,
silence at last, a peaceful rest.
The moment guides, a flowing stream,
creating rhythm, truly blessed.
No rigid form, but inner guide,
personal, alive, and deep.
Meaning blossoms in the free,
secrets the silent moments keep.
