December 26, 2024
Tania Burgess

In today’s fast-paced, goal-oriented culture, the idea of non-striving can feel counterintuitive. We’re told to set objectives, measure progress, and always be moving toward the next milestone. But the practice of mindfulness offers a different perspective—one that invites us to let go of striving and embrace being.

What Is Non-Striving?

Non-striving is the practice of releasing the need to achieve or fix something during meditation or in life. It’s about allowing things to be as they are, without judgment or expectation. This doesn’t mean giving up on your goals—it means approaching them with openness and ease rather than force and stress.

Why Non-Striving Matters

Striving can create tension and resistance, leaving you feeling perpetually dissatisfied. Non-striving helps you:

  • Cultivate Trust & Acceptance: By letting go of the need to control outcomes, you create space to accept the present moment as it is.
  • Reduce Burnout: Constantly chasing goals can drain our energy. Non-striving allows you to rest and replenish.
  • Experience Joy in the Process: When you're not fixated on results, you can appreciate the journey itself.

Non-Striving in Meditation

When meditating, it’s easy to get caught up in thoughts like, “Am I doing this right?” or “Why isn’t my mind quiet yet?” Non-striving means letting go of these judgements and simply observing your experience with curiosity. There’s nothing to achieve in meditation; the practice itself is enough.

Non-Striving in Daily Life

Here are some ways to incorporate non-striving into your everyday routine:

  1. Set Intentions, Not Expectations: Focus on the "why" behind your actions rather than rigid outcomes.
    • Example: Instead of saying, “I need to finish this project perfectly,” try, “I intend to approach this project with creativity and care.”
  2. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned. Growth comes from patience, not pressure.
  3. Create Space for Stillness: Take moments to pause, breathe, and simply be. Whether it’s a short walk or a quiet cup of tea, these moments can remind you that life doesn’t always have to be about doing.
  4. Celebrate Small Wins: RecognisSigns e the progress you make along the way, no matter how small. It’s a powerful way to stay present and grateful.

Balancing Goals with Non-Striving

Non-striving doesn’t mean abandoning your ambitions. Instead, it’s about balancing effort with acceptance. By releasing the pressure to "arrive," you might find that you achieve more—and with far less stress.

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more and be more, practising non-striving is a radical act of self-care. It’s a reminder that you are enough, just as you are, in this very moment.

If you’re ready to explore the practice of non-striving and integrate mindfulness into your life, join my next mindfulness meditation course or retreat. Together, we can create space for rest, reflection, and growth. Reach out today to learn more.


Sources

  1. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. Hyperion.
  2. Harris, R. (2009). The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living. Exisle Publishing.
  3. Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books.