Relax and Be Aware - a book recommendation
If you’re new to meditation, you might wonder if you’re doing it correctly—or worry that you're not “good” at it because your mind keeps wandering. That’s completely normal, and it’s also where the real practice begins.
In Relax and Be Aware, meditation teacher Sayadaw U Tejaniya offers a refreshing message for beginners: you don’t have to force your mind to be quiet or follow complicated techniques to meditate. What matters most is simply being aware of what’s happening right now—with a relaxed, curious attitude.
Many people think meditation means sitting perfectly still, focusing only on the breath, and stopping all thoughts. But that can create pressure and frustration, especially when the mind naturally drifts (which it always will!). Sayadaw encourages us to let go of trying too hard. Instead of chasing a perfect method, he says to focus on the quality of awareness you bring to whatever is happening.
That means:
Noticing your thoughts instead of trying to stop them.
Gently observing how your body feels without judging it.
Being aware of your mood, your breath, or even the sounds around you—just as they are.
You don’t need to change anything. You’re simply learning to notice—and to do so with kindness, patience, and a little curiosity.
This kind of relaxed awareness can happen anytime: while washing dishes, walking, waiting in line, or sitting quietly. There’s no perfect way to do it—because awareness isn’t something you achieve, it’s something you already have.
Start small. Stay curious. Be kind to yourself.
Meditation, especially in the beginning, is more about showing up than doing it perfectly. Just bringing a little more awareness into your day—even for a few minutes—can create more space, calm, and connection in your life.
I recommend meditation to my patients because it complements acupuncture by calming the nervous system and deepening the body’s natural healing response. It helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance emotional balance—all key to long-term wellness. Just like acupuncture, meditation brings awareness to the present moment, allowing you to better understand your body’s signals and needs.