Do Nothing Meditation

There are two big meditation approaches out there, two buckets, discovered and rediscovered many times in many different traditions. One is active. It’s about bearing down, about trying to get somewhere, to build some skill, to make something happen. The other is passive. It’s about easing off, about not trying to get anywhere or make anything happen. Both have their place. But in our culture of type-A over-achieving workaholics, I think it is safe to say that many of us could benefit from the second approach. We all need a place or a practice where we can just let ourselves exist without having to endlessly prove or secure ourselves. It’s exhausting.
Hence this practice, which is all about putting goal attainment on hold. And, as we surrender - paradox of paradoxes - we may find inner resources we’d have trouble recognizing otherwise. Not that you need a reason!
Thanks to my teacher, Shinzen Young, who taught me to do nothing in the best possible way. I still remember his words: “If you can give up the compulsive need to know and act, you may start to know and act in a whole new way.”
Jeff
For more free meditations, see www.jeffwarren.org
Resources:
Shinzen Young : www.shinzen.org/

[@tafiasabilakhairunnisa1563]

Just finished doing this, thank you so much, in the middle of doing nothing, somehow I cried when I heard you say to just be, you don't have to prove anything, and suddenly it brings back all the emotions i didn't know and initially i want to surpress it, but since we were asked to just surrender to the moment, i let myself drifted with whatever comes and ended up ugly crying. Didn't expect how this turns out in the beginning, but what a great experience! Thanks!

[@nicolasdimatteo3356]

Thank you Jeff.

[@rikkiingersoll3271]

Jeff, thank you for being with calm. You have helped me change my life!

[@kippyc98]

ohhhhhhh this is nice.

[@spudnreno]

Thanks Jeff. These meditations have really changed my life for the better. So happy I found your guided meditations.

[@loganbroadwell2531]

By doing this meditation we're pouring acid on our egos

[@rickwilliamson1865]

Perfect (though, of course, it doesn't have to be), plus a standard poodle. Couldn't be more groovy. Thank you.

[@ReallyGottaTap]

Thank you.

[@maryannecosmo6619]

Thank you. 🙏

[@nkaiae]

I really enjoy this meditation

[@davidmorrison7323]

This is great. Thank you for this and the Do Nothing project!

[@TQsktkg-jfgnfnfj]

Hi everyone when doing this technique and I have a though I fear should I allow my mind distract myself with another thought? If I interfere with my mind distracting myself from this scary thought and force myself to face the scary thought, am I not doing something?

[@rohitnanda9957]

1:15

[@malikmalikov149]

Is it the shinzen young do nothing meditation. Can I do it with eyes closed

[@JeffWarrenMeditation]

Eyes closed is fine, or eyes open, if you prefer.
Inspired by Shinzen’s Do Nothing technique, though the guide will often offer an anchor or “homebase.” You are always free to ignore that.

[@golgipogo]

Actually, Jeff has eliminated all the supratentorial matter that SY inserts so that the method is easier to deploy. Thanks.

[@jackysgalaxy8531]

I looked up the polygamist Jeff warren for research and this came up