Obstacles to Practice

Forgetting to engage in your practice – this is one of the greatest obstacles when first starting the practice. You could say, ‘that remembering to practice is the first goal of the practice’. Try sticking notes up around the house as reminders. There are apps for your phone that can chime at chosen intervals (say once every 15 minutes) to help keep you on track. You can also use biological and emotional cues as reminders, the arising of hunger, anxiety, desire, anger, impatience, or boredom.

Applying the technique too strongly – often when first beginning to practice, some describe feeling a bit foggy, unfocused, or disconnected. The secret is to not apply the techniques too strongly. Instead begin with a soft and gentle approach. Imagine having an intensity dial that you can adjust to the occasion or situation. Start slow, and as you become familiar with the feeling, you can then intensify your attention and practice.

intensity dial that you can adjust to the occasion or situation. Start slow, and as you become familiar with the feeling, you can then intensify your attention and practice.