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Many of us walk around with sleep deprivation. We work too hard, stress too much, and forget how important rest is. On retreats, it is allowed to sleep. In fact, many people find that for the first time in a long time, they are properly rested.

Why is the meditation not working? If the mind is constantly being dragged by distractions, the solution is not always to put more effort into the meditation cushion. Sometimes the cause lies deeper.

Many people think meditation is about focusing. But that is not entirely correct. Ajahn Brahmali describes meditation as going for a walk in the woods. You don't focus on one tree or one sound. You let all the impressions come and go, without grabbing hold of them. When we stop pushing the mind to focus, it can often calm down on its own.

The world can be problematic. But the problems are part of worldly life. A spiritual life is about something else: living in a way that makes life good—by cultivating qualities such as generosity, kindness, and the desire to benefit others.

Buddhism does not ask you to believe in something just because a teacher says so. The most important thing is what you discover through your own experience. When you meditate, you can notice for yourself what is happening in your mind. Little by little, it can bring more calm, clarity and understanding.

We often want things to happen faster – for understanding, peace or change to come right away. But the Dhamma reminds us that everything matures when the conditions are present. Wisdom cannot be rushed, only nurtured with patience, attention, and persistent practice.

Curious about what Buddhism is? Follow the Buddhist Society of Norway to learn more. Excerpt from workshop in Ānāpānasati – Mindfulness of Breathing, Oslo July 2026

Ajahn Brahmali on balancing compassion and boundaries. Excerpt from workshop in Ānāpānasati - Mindfulness of Breathing, Oslo July 2026