--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Meditation practice isn’t about trying to…" description: "\"“Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better.”\" — Pema Chödrön" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/pema-ch-dr-n-327_meditation_meditation-practice-isn-t-about-trying-t_1233128.png" --- # Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves… ![“Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better.” quote by Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/pema-ch-dr-n-327_meditation_meditation-practice-isn-t-about-trying-t_1233128.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/pema-ch-dr-n-327_meditation_meditation-practice-isn-t-about-trying-t_1233128.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/pema-ch-dr-n-327_meditation_meditation-practice-isn-t-about-trying-t_1233128.png) > ““Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better.”” [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Meditation is about being present, not discarding the self to become an ideal version. **In simple terms:** Be present, not a better self. Key Takeaway Practice acceptance of your current self. Themes mindfulness self‑acceptance spirituality Mood calm centered Type inspirational practical When to use this quote - stress reduction - emotional regulation - daily practice - therapy - workplace focus Key Concepts non‑attachment inner peace Questions to Reflect On - How does letting go of self‑criticism improve focus? A Different Perspective Can striving for a “better self” cause more suffering? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Meditation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation/) [Meditation practice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation-practice/) [Practice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/practice/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) ## Related quotes > [Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we are already. The ground of practice…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/meditation-practice-isn-t-about-trying-to-throw-ourselves-away-and/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. 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It's doing it until you can't get it wrong.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-kauflin/and-remember-the-goal-of-practice-isn-t-doing-something-until-you-get/) [Bob Kauflin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-kauflin/) > [I am not a toy you can't just throw me away for a better toy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/april/i-am-not-a-toy-you-can-t-just-throw-me-away-for-a-better-toy/) [April](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/april/) ## More by Pema Chödrön > [“LIFE’S work is to wake up, to let the things that enter into your life wake you up rather than put you to sleep.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/life-s-work-is-to-wake-up-to-let-the-things-that-enter-into-your-life/) [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [Since death is certain and the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/since-death-is-certain-and-the-time-of-death-is-uncertain-what-is-the/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [Buddhist words such as compassion and emptiness don't mean much until we start cultivating our innate ability simply to be there with pain with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/buddhist-words-such-as-compassion-and-emptiness-don-t-mean-much-until/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [The essence of generosity is letting go. 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