In therapy the other day I found myself talking about teaching other people how to meditate. Please note that I will cheerfully admit that I am still learning to meditate, and I’ve been doing it for 30+ years. But I know how to teach others, because the first rule is:

show up

That’s it. If you show up you are 100% of the way further than you were yesterday when you didn’t show up.

It’s a tough one, I know. There are all of the things that keep you from it, that distract you, that make it impossible . . . I know.

Over the years I’ve told people to go to the bathroom to meditate (its the only place they are left alone for a few mins); I’ve encouraged them to set boundaries (It’s ok to be left alone for 15 mins every day); and I’ve introduced them to the Law of  3Bs (if there is no blood, or bone, and everyone is breathing — don’t bother me).

But all of that is just window dressing for the most important step: Show Up.

. . .

Oh, you want to know what the 2nd rule is? Shut up.

🙂