One of the most common questions that I hear (both from beginners and long-time practitioners) is, “How do I know if I’m meditating correctly?”
It’s a question I’ve asked myself plenty of times, especially during those sessions where my mind is bouncing around like a pinball and I leave the cushion wondering if I’ve just wasted twenty minutes.
Recently, I came across an article on The Daily Meditation titled “How To Know If You’re Meditating Correctly” and I think it’s well worth your time to check out.
It offers a clear, grounded look at how to assess your practice without falling into the trap of perfectionism or overthinking.
The Core Message: It’s Not About Emptying Your Mind
The main idea? Meditation isn’t about achieving some blank, zen-like state where all thoughts vanish and angels start singing. Instead, the article emphasizes that a “correct” meditation is simply one where you engage with your practice.
That means being present with your breath, your mantra, your body, whatever your chosen focus may be, even if thoughts arise or your focus drifts now and then.
It outlines practical signs that your meditation is on the right track: your breathing slows, you feel more grounded, your awareness sharpens, and perhaps most importantly, you carry a bit more calm into the rest of your day.
It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s all about just doing it.
Meditation is a Mirror, Not a Performance
Reading the article reminded me of how often we treat meditation like something to “win” at. Like we’re sitting a test we might fail if a single thought crosses our mind.
But meditation isn’t a performance, it’s a mirror.
Sometimes the mirror is foggy. Sometimes it reflects things we’d rather not see. But every time we sit, we’re building a relationship with the present moment. And like any relationship, it grows stronger not through perfection, but through patience, curiosity, and simply showing up.
So if you’re wondering whether you’re meditating correctly, ask yourself this instead: Am I showing up with honesty and attention? Am I practicing kindness toward myself when things get messy?
If so, you’re doing just fine.
Read the Full Article
The article from The Daily Meditation does a great job breaking this down with simplicity and clarity. If you’ve ever doubted your meditation practice or second-guessed your approach, I really recommend giving it a read: How To Know If You’re Meditating Correctly
Your Practice is Enough
At the end of the day, meditation isn’t about getting anywhere. It’s about being here. And being here, flawed, distracted, breathing, aware, is enough.
So keep showing up. Keep sitting. Keep returning.
And if you ever feel lost in the noise of “Am I doing it right?”, remember: just by asking that question with sincerity, you already are.
