Everyday Mindfulness

Hola Amigos

Since I recommenced mindfulness a couple of months ago, I have been bumping up against the issue of fatigue. I have recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (C.F.S./M.E.), and one of the primary symptoms of CFS is difficulty concentrating. Obviously this has ramifications on my meditation practice. My mind wanders about relentlessly, and, though I am doing reasonably well in not judging this, it is not all that conducive to practice. Of a 30 minute meditation, perhaps 5 of that is actually spent in awareness.

I appreciate that concentration grows with time, however I'm not sure I feel I have moved forward much since I recommenced practice. Back when I used to meditate, and before my issues with fatigue, I found this element of practice much easier and found I would sometimes enter a meditative 'state'. Though I am not particularly aiming to reach one particular state or another, its absence is conspicuous.

Does anyone here have any tips for maintaining focus?

Gracias, chicos!
Cheesus

My advice is simply this: keep practising. The fatigue will be however it is and your concentration will be however it is, remember that you aren't trying to get anywhere.

Gareth wrote:My advice is simply this: keep practising. The fatigue will be however it is and your concentration will be however it is, remember that you aren't trying to get anywhere.

You're absolutely correct, of course I really should have told myself the same thing. I suppose its difficult listening to your own advice sometimes.

Practice, practice, practice. Our difficulties are what our difficulties are. What else to do but acknowledge them and continue.

Gracias amigo!
Cheesus