Managing Expectations

It takes a few weeks before students will fall more effortlessly into the process and routine.  Stress the importance of never judging their experience.  Just do their best.  Sometimes we are able to keep our focus on our meditation, but during other times we may quietly notice that it is quite difficult.  When students notice that they have been distracted by their own thinking or activity in the room, recognize with them that perhaps they could consider this an accomplishment, because they were able to note that their attention was pulled away.  Remind them to just do their best.  All meditators, regardless of the level of experience, have sessions that go well, and others that do not.