Does Mindfulness Meditation Get Easier Over Time and How to Make It So

Yes, many people find that mindfulness meditation becomes easier with practice over time. This gradual improvement is a reflection of the inherent nature of meditation and how our brains and minds adapt to consistent activity. Here are several reasons why meditation may become easier as you continue to practice regularly:

Reasons Why Mindfulness Meditation Becomes Easier Over Time

Increased Familiarity

One of the primary reasons meditation becomes easier is the increased familiarity with the practice. As you meditate more frequently, you become more familiar with the techniques and the process of observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. This familiarity can significantly reduce the mental and emotional barriers that may have initially felt overwhelming.

Improved Focus

Regular meditation can enhance your ability to concentrate and stay present, which makes it easier to maintain focus during your sessions. As your mind becomes more adept at refocusing, you'll find that you can stay with your breath or mantra for longer periods without your mind drifting away.

Reduced Restlessness

With time, the initial restlessness or discomfort that often accompanies meditation tends to diminish as you become more accustomed to sitting in stillness. Your capacity for managing physical and emotional discomfort improves, making the practice less taxing.

Greater Awareness

As you practice mindfulness, you may develop a deeper awareness of your thoughts and emotions. This increased awareness allows you to navigate distractions more effectively, such as when a distracting thought arises, and guide your consciousness back to your focus point. This depth of awareness is a critical skill that enhances the overall quality of your meditation sessions.

Enhanced Benefits

Over time, practitioners often experience the tangible benefits of meditation such as reduced stress and increased emotional regulation. These positive effects can be strong motivators that make it feel easier to continue the practice. As you see results, the desire to maintain the practice naturally increases.

The Variability of the Learning Curve

The time it takes for meditation to become easier varies greatly from person to person. Regular practice, even if it's just a few minutes a day, can make a significant difference. Consistency is key; the more you practice, the more familiar you become with the process, and the easier it becomes to navigate these initial challenges.

Dealing with Mind Wandering and Setting Goals

This is up to you. As long as you set goals for what you expect during and after meditation, it can become frustrating. It is your exploration into how your mind is working that gradually leads to the kind of responses we hope to get from meditation. Mind wandering is the nature of your mind. The goal is not to become mindless and cease thoughts and emotions but to become aware of these without being consumed by them.

“The goal of meditation is not to sit down and instantly have mental focus—it is to create a new habit of pulling your focus back… and rather than being dismayed when your mind wanders, it will wander 99% of the time. At first, be pleased that you noticed this and brought it back—no matter how temporarily.”

Notes made from a lesson with Bhante Sathi

Stop trying to "get somewhere." It is how you are learning to be 'here and now' first when meditating but gradually learning to recapture this when NOT meditating that slowly produces enlightenment. The more you set "goals" the less you are being 'here and now' and are instead focused on where you are 'NOT.'

“As long as you are a Seeker, you will not Find.” - J. Krishnamurti

If you're seeking a deeper practice, remember that the path to enlightenment is not linear. It involves patience, consistency, and staying grounded in the present moment. Embrace the journey, and the benefits will follow.