My challenge with meditation wasn‘t being distracted and finding the stillness of mind, but staying grounded. It’s easy to slip into dissociation, that ’blankness’ which isn’t being connected at all.. It’s a cop out. Travel with the breath or heartbeat is key to reaching that state of bliss, at which point a unique level of harmony is met.. Be present, it’s a gift!
When I first started I’d practice following my breath until all around me was nonexistent. Then I’d set my awareness outside of myself and listen to the world.. the river flowing, sirens wailing, birds cawing.. but not becoming or attaching to anything, moreso allowing sounds and sensations to drift through mind like clouds making passes in the sky. As if to muse, ’Is that so?’ After so long I’d return to becoming my breath, alternating back and forth accordingly.