Meditation and the Plateau Effect: Embracing Stabilisation in Your Practice
If you’ve been meditating for a while, you might have reached a point where things feel as if they’ve levelled off. In the beginning, meditation can bring fresh insights, moments of peace, or even breakthroughs. But after some time, you may feel as though you’re stuck on a plateau—as if the spark has faded, and not much is happening. It’s a common experience, but it can be misleading.
Imagine you’re climbing a mountain. At first, every step takes you higher, offering new views of the landscape. Then you reach a plateau, a flat space where the climb feels less intense and the view isn’t changing much. It’s tempting to feel frustrated or wonder, “Am I even making progress?” But in reality, this plateau is where you’re building strength for the journey ahead. This flat terrain lets you rest and adjust to the higher altitude—your new level of awareness—before continuing upward.
This period in your meditation practice isn’t stagnation; it’s stabilisation. You’re learning to settle into a more constant state of awareness, where insights and calm are no longer fleeting experiences but a steady part of your life. It’s like the roots of a tree spreading deeper into the earth, unseen but crucial for growth and stability. By grounding in this new state, you’re preparing for the next phase, even if you can’t see it yet.
So, if you feel like you’re on a plateau, remind yourself: this is part of the journey. You’re integrating your practice more deeply, even if the effects feel subtle or quiet. Embrace the stillness and trust that growth is happening beneath the surface. Your awareness is becoming a strong foundation, setting the stage for even greater heights.
Recognising the Plateau in Your Meditation Practice
Signs of a Plateau:
Meditation feels “flat” or routine, without the initial spark.
You notice fewer “breakthrough” moments or new insights.
A sense of stagnation, like you’re no longer progressing.
Fewer noticeable shifts in your mood or mental clarity.
You feel less reactive and more stable, even if it’s subtle.
Moments of calm are now more accessible or constant rather than dramatic highs.
You handle stress or distractions better, even outside of meditation.
You notice that staying focused or present is becoming second nature, a new baseline.
What to Do About It:
Acknowledge the Phase: Recognise that plateaus are natural and not a setback; they’re part of deepening your practice.
Embrace Stillness: Use this time to ground yourself in stillness, cultivating patience rather than chasing new experiences.
Focus on Consistency: Maintain your routine, trusting that steady practice will integrate new levels of awareness over time.
Shift Perspective: See this period as stabilisation rather than stagnation—your mind is acclimatising to a higher level of awareness.
Re-engage with Basics: Refresh foundational techniques like mindful breathing, body awareness, or simply “being” in the present.
Celebrate Small Gains: Recognise how far you’ve come, even if the changes feel subtle. Reflect on past challenges that now feel easier.
Let Go of Expectations: Release the desire for constant novelty, and accept that growth often occurs quietly, below the surface.
“You can’t unsee what you’ve seen, you can’t unlearn what you’ve learned, you can’t unknow what you know.” — Meryl Streep
Remember, the plateau is not a dead end—it’s a foundation. Every moment spent in practice, no matter how still or subtle, is helping you build a deeper, lasting awareness that will support you in all areas of life. Embrace this period as a time to strengthen and stabilise, knowing that true growth is happening beneath the surface.
If you haven’t yet started your meditation journey, now is the perfect time to join. Sign up for my upcoming course in December and discover how a regular practice can transform your life from the inside out.