Joseph Goldstein holds a Q&A session about the five hindrances: sensory desire, ill will, sloth, restlessness, and doubt.
A note from Sean
I use the five hindrances as a quick check-in before I sit. I don’t mean them as a judgment. They’re just states of mind that are here: craving, aversion, restlessness, sleepiness, doubt. Notice which one, then respond to it.
Try this today. Before your next sit, or your next meeting, ask which one is here. Restless? Breathe out slowly, longer than you breathe in. Sleepy? Take a few deeper inhales. Wanting something? Name three things you’re grateful for.
Keep going: Classic Five Hindrances guided meditation script and anchor breathing script.
Losing the thread is part of meditating, so this suits beginners and long-time practitioners alike. If doubt, ill will, or restlessness is tied to something painful in your life, go gently. Stop when you need to.
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