Just doggedly coming back to the cushion, again and again, bringing your awareness back to the breath or the sensation of your body sitting again and again, and eventually, your view may lighten and meditation may suddenly - just for a few moments - seem lighter and more spacious.

However, one of the subtler aspects of us human beings is the nagging little voice inside that likes to criticise and find fault, but it can be the straw that breaks the donkeys back in times of trouble.

So, let’s take a look at what that little voice is and how it can be handled both in times of trouble and times of steadiness.

What factors though, did this far from ideal location, have? It was relatively secluded as it was off the side of a road. It wasn’t particularly quiet, but I could sit undisturbed. It wasn’t raining usually, but when it did, I just opened an umbrella and kept dry. That was enough.

I’ve been fortunate, as I, like many, had a lot of challenges growing up as a teenager; at the time I didn’t see it this way though! I was rather rebellious with long hair, highly strung, and towards the end of the teen years, experienced a very down unhappy period.

We are going to reflect on how that voice of doubt and criticism can be softened through some simple changes to how we approach each day to reveal the empathic, and steadier, side of our hearts. Then in times of trouble, one will have access to this natural empathy to help one navigate such times rather than be sunk by the voice of negativity.

I just had to sit unguided on many occasions back in my early days. In hindsight that was a healthy way to learn. Some guidance, some non-guidance, so that is what I’m going to recommend. Here are three approaches...

There is a remedy. If we start to listen inward again, something instinctual in us knows that the clutter isn't good. The dependency upon that clutter isn't healthy either. Try this if you'd like to make a start: Making a start

When lying down and applying mindfulness to help you relax: don't try too hard.