Meditation is NOT an Activity

I have given meditation instruction many times, but something I always say when I do is: "Remember that you are not "doing" anything - this is NOT an activity."

What I'm saying here is that the normal mind with all of it's thinking, and worry, and planning, and contrived ideas, and mannerisms is an effort. Without realizing it you are constantly working on the process of building what you think of as your "self" with these ingredients.

Meditation is precisely the opposite of building self - it is resting in what the mind REALLY is: empty self-awareness.

So, when you sit, watch as your mind goes about business as usual and throws thoughts and feelings  your way. Let them pass you by, without engagement. Know that your goal is to just relax and be present without effort. Rest in between thoughts in the spaciousness of what you really are.