Cory Muscara, Mindfulness Teacher, Former Monk

Time Constraints

Time constraints often hinder individuals from engaging in meditation, but simple solutions like the one-minute meditation can help overcome this barrier. Dan Harris and Cory Muscara discuss how people often claim they lack time for meditation, which can mask deeper issues like disbelief in its benefits or fear of confronting personal challenges 1. Cory suggests starting with just one minute of meditation, emphasizing that this low-cost option removes barriers and can lead to longer sessions as people realize its benefits 2.

If you start saying like, oh, I don't have a minute to meditate, we really gotta start evaluating some things going on in your life.

--- Cory Muscara

This approach encourages individuals to gradually increase their meditation time, fostering a habit that can be sustained over time.

   

Autonomy

Autonomy plays a crucial role in sustaining mindfulness practices by enhancing intrinsic motivation. Cory Muscara explains that when individuals choose to meditate beyond the initial one-minute mark, they experience a sense of autonomy, which fosters curiosity and interest 3. This contrasts with feeling obligated to meditate for a set time, which can feel like external regulation and diminish motivation.

It's like you chose to be in this moment. You chose to be with this moment of pain.

--- Cory Muscara

By allowing people to opt into meditation voluntarily, they are more likely to sustain the practice and explore its benefits further.