Meditation is a journey into stillness, yet it often feels like a battlefield. The struggle to stay empty, formless, and here is the essence of the practice. The mind resists. It offers a torrent of thoughts, plans, and memories. The meditator’s task is to gently hold attention. They must refuse the mind’s invitations. This is the art of remaining empty — and it is both a challenge and a profound liberation.
Remaining Conscious, Remaining Empty
To hold attention in meditation means rejecting everything the mind proposes. Thoughts will emerge, seductive and persistent, but the practice demands a simple, unwavering discipline: refuse to engage. Refuse to create stories or self-images. Instead, choose emptiness.
At first, this can feel impossibly difficult. The mind rebels against stillness, but the process is deceptively simple:
- Pause for two seconds.
- Consider without judgment.
- Watch the mind’s tendencies but do not feed them.
- Release thoughts, imagination, and identity.
As you repeat this practice, the timeless and formless essence of your being will start to emerge.
Understanding the Nature of Being
True brininess is formless, like water. It has no attachments, no fixed habits, and no self-portraits to keep. It simply is. To stay in this state, you must let go of the mind’s endless chatter. This requires awareness, vigilance, and an unwavering refusal to succumb to distraction.
The mind’s resistance is natural. It will pull you into cycles of thought or lull you into sleep. But your task is to stay awake and alert. Each time you pause and return to emptiness, you reclaim your true essence.
Overcoming the Mind’s Resistance
The mind thrives on habit. It clings to patterns of thought, distraction, and identity because these are familiar and comfortable. But meditation invites you to break free of these habits.
When you hold your attention in pure beingness, you’ll notice the mind’s resistance. It feels as though the mind is winning, but persistence is key. Over time, the restless mind begins to harmonize with the stillness of being.
How to overcome resistance:
- Stay awake and alert, even when the mind feels overwhelming.
- Resist the urge to analyze or suppress thoughts. Simply notice them and let them pass.
- Practice consistently, even when it feels difficult.
The mind’s rebellion is temporary. With time, it will settle, not through force, but through the natural power of sustained awareness.
The Transformative Power of Beingness
In the beginning, the practice of remaining empty feels like a constant fight. But with persistence, it transforms into something effortless. Beingness becomes your natural state, and the mind, once resistant, begins to rest in harmony.
The transformation is profound. The mind’s addictive patterns — its attachment to suffering, distraction, and noise — gradually dissolve. In their place, you’ll find peace, clarity, and an enduring sense of presence.
The Ultimate Practice: Stay Empty, Stay Home
This practice of holding attention in emptiness is the ultimate meditation. It requires dedication, but every moment spent in awareness is a victory. Even when it feels like a struggle, the results are already unfolding beneath the surface.
As you stay shapeless, formless, and free of the mind’s distractions, you’ll discover your true self. This formless essence is your home — timeless, infinite, and unchanging.
Tips for deepening your practice:
- Practice daily, even for a few minutes.
- Focus on the breath as a tool to anchor your awareness.
- Stay upright and alert to avoid slipping into passivity.
Stay empty. Stay here. Stay awake. In this emptiness lies the truth of who you are.
Final Thoughts
The art of remaining empty is a practice and a way of being. It requires patience and persistence, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you hold attention in meditation, you’ll discover the boundless peace and freedom of your true nature.
Let go of the mind’s distractions. Refuse its invitations. Stay empty, and find your way home.
I’ve included a guided meditation video below to help you understand the ideal meditation posture. Sit comfortably, relax, and follow this ancient practice of silencing the mind. Remember, it takes practice—it’s a skill that develops over time. Most people struggle because they don’t know how to quiet their thoughts. Nonetheless, this guided meditation will support you on that journey. Enjoy!
(coming soon) Thursday 28th