Distractions are everywhere these days, and nowhere is this more noticeable than when you take time aside for your daily meditation. Even if your smart phone fails to distract you with an unnecessary notification, its presence alone can fill space in the corner of your mind.

If you are having trouble getting into a meditative vibe, here are some ways to regain the focus which is crucial to your practice.

Focus On Where You Are Successful

If we set aside 15 minutes for meditation, and our minds spend half of it wandering around, it’s easy to label that as a failure in our practice. Instead, we should label it as a success.

After all, success is not derived from perfection. What was your intention for that time period? To meditate? Did you meditate? In this scenario, you achieved meditative state for 7-8 minutes. Experts say that benefits can be seen from just a few minutes of meditation, so we’ll call that a win!

A string of successes, to your mind, will yield a better overall practice. Don’t be so hard on yourself if you can’t reach your goal every time.

Meditate Throughout Your Day

Meditation is not limited to sitting cross legged with your eyes closed. Anyone experienced in the art of meditation will tell you that the state can be achieved anytime throughout your day. All it takes is a focus on the perfection of existence.

There is beauty to be found in all moments of life. While it can be difficult to find perspective in the face of a long workday or unruly child, for example, a key to daily meditation is to find the evidence for the astounding miracle of life in places you don’t normally seek it.

Realize That Meditation Is Personal

This is an extension of the above example. Not everyone will find it easy to focus when sitting cross-legged. Not everyone will be able to find the necessary focus while repeating mantras. Calming, new age music will not help the trance along for everyone.

When you decide that you’re going to have a meditation practice, it’s important to experiment. After all, you are a unique individual and what works for someone you derive inspiration from will not necessarily work for you. There are infinite ways to meditate. Find one that makes you comfortable, and allows you the all-important focus that will yield a successful practice.

Set Aside Physical Space

While it’s true that meditation can happen anywhere and anytime, to inspire a regular practice, it is always a good idea to set aside a space that is ‘for meditation.’ It can be anywhere, as long as it is consistent.

That consistency will allow your mind to focus, because of its familiarity with the space. It will unconsciously say: “This is where I meditate,” and half the battle for focus will be over.

Have Gratitude

Gratitude can bring on a feeling of contentment that is so important for putting yourself in a mental state which is ready for meditation. Similar to a religious prayer, listing things for which you are grateful can open up the channel to god – which in this case is you!

So when in your meditation zone, in whatever physical state is comfortable, take some time before the meditative process begins to give thanks for a few things in this life. This will help you find a state in which meditative focus will come more easily!