Overthinking is exhausting. But ya know what’s also exhausting? Trying to decipher (no less apply) the cryptic advice of many meditation teachers: rigid, elitist, and self-serving.

I am glad you’re prone to overthinking for it speaks well of your intelligence, energy, and zest for life. Have no fear, meditation is easy when you understand the neuroscience behind it.

Inhale enthusiastically and you’ll access the sympathetic nervous system which is wired to perceive vulnerably, passively, viscerally, and spontaneously. Exhale with the intention to relax and you’ll access the parasympathetic nervous system which evolved to help us release and let-go.

Effortless tranquility is one of the eleven benefits of loving-kindness meditation enumerated by the Buddha. Coordinate the mental recitation of the two slogans “Happiness…” and “for all beings!” as you breath in and out while sitting in a sustainable pose. Practice this for sixteen rounds of breathing every twelve hours or so and you’ll be well on your way to meditating like a Jedi. _/\_