The Search for Inner Peace and a Little Help Along the Way

Let’s be real. Meditation is hard. Not in the monk-on-a-mountain way, but in the sitting-on-the-floor-trying-not-to-think-about-pizza way. We set out with the noble intention of clearing our minds, only to find them filled with shopping lists, existential dread, and that one embarrassing moment from ten years ago that just won’t go away.

Enter CBD—the so-called “meditation in a capsule.” Can it really help? Can a few drops of this cannabinoid ease us into mindfulness, make our breath deeper, or help us sit longer without our knees screaming in protest? Spoiler alert: Yes, it can. But not in the way you might think.

In this piece, we’re going to explore how CBD can support your meditation practice, not replace it. We’ll also dive into two transformative meditative techniques—Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana, as taught by Kamalashila in the Buddhist tradition. Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in some humor, some life-affirming truths, and a gentle reminder that, no matter how busy or distracted you feel, peace is always within reach.

Why Meditation Feels So Damn Hard (and Why We Do It Anyway)

If meditation were easy, the whole world would be enlightened by now. But our minds are tricky things. Like an overly excited puppy, they chase every passing thought—from what to cook for dinner to why we said that awkward thing in the meeting. And when we try to sit still? Cue the itch on our nose that suddenly demands our full attention.

Yet, we keep coming back to meditation. Why? Because, despite the difficulties, we sense something deeper—a stillness beneath the chaos, a clarity beyond the noise. Meditation isn't about turning off the mind but about learning how to observe it without judgment. And that’s where CBD might offer a little assistance.

Many meditation teachers say that consistency is more important than duration. Meditating for just five minutes a daycan be more effective than one hour-long session once a week. Over time, our brains start recognizing the practice as a safe space to return to. The same way a cup of tea can signal relaxation, our breath becomes an anchor, reminding us that we are always capable of finding stillness—no matter how turbulent our thoughts may be.

CBD: Meditation’s Trusty Sidekick

CBD (cannabidiol) is often described as a gentle, grounding presence—not a drug, not a miracle cure, just a little plant-based nudge in the right direction. When it comes to meditation, here’s what it brings to the table:

1. Eases Restlessness – If sitting still makes you feel like you’re trapped in an invisible cage, CBD might help calm the nervous system, making those long meditation sessions less torturous.

2. Supports Focus – Ever try to meditate and end up mentally redecorating your entire house? CBD has been shown to support mental clarity, helping the mind settle into the present moment.

3. Encourages Relaxation – Some people describe CBD as a warm, grounding hug for the mind, making it easier to let go of tension and drop into deep meditation.

4. Soothes the Body – Achy knees, tight shoulders, or an uncooperative back? CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce physical discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable sit.

It’s worth mentioning that while CBD helps with relaxation, it won’t force you into a meditative state. Think of it as setting up a cozy, quiet meditation room rather than shoving you onto the cushion.

Mindfulness of Breathing: The Art of Simply Being

“Breathe in, breathe out. Nothing else to do, nowhere else to be.” Sounds simple, right? But if you’ve ever tried mindfulness of breathing, you know that the mind loves to wander.

The Practice:

1. Find a comfortable position (it doesn’t have to be full lotus, just something that lets you be still).

2. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your natural breath—not changing it, just noticing it.

3. When your mind drifts (and it will), gently bring it back to the breath, again and again.

4. With each inhale, feel a sense of presence; with each exhale, feel a sense of letting go.

Many Buddhist teachers, including Kamalashila, emphasize that mindfulness of breathing isn’t about controlling the breath but rather about allowing it to be exactly as it is. Over time, we start to notice the subtle changes in our breath—the way it deepens when we’re calm, the way it shortens when we’re anxious—and this awareness extends to how we experience emotions in daily life.

Metta Bhavana: Cultivating Loving-Kindness (For Yourself and Others)

Ah, Metta Bhavana. The meditation that teaches us to stop being jerks—to ourselves and to the world. Also known as loving-kindness meditation, this practice helps cultivate feelings of compassion, warmth, and unconditional goodwill.

The Practice:

1. Begin with yourself – Silently repeat: May I be happy. May I be well. May I be free from suffering.

2. Think of a loved one – Someone who makes you smile. Extend the same wish to them.

3. Extend kindness to a neutral person – Someone you barely know (like the barista who makes your coffee).

4. Send goodwill to someone difficult – Yep, even that person. (It’s not about excusing their behavior, but freeing yourself from resentment.)

5. Expand to all beings – Imagine radiating kindness to the entire world.

Practicing Metta Bhavana regularly helps soften our edges. It makes forgiveness easier, gratitude more natural, and connection with others more fulfilling.

Living a Holistic Life: It’s Not About Perfection

A truly holistic life isn’t about being a perfect yogi, drinking only green juices, or never feeling stress. It’s about balance—finding what works for you, allowing for imperfection, and being kind to yourself along the way.

The goal isn’t to be the most “zen” person in the room. The goal is to be present. To meet life as it is, with an open heart and a steady mind.

Final Thoughts: CBD & Meditation—A Partnership, Not a Shortcut

CBD is not a magic solution, but it can be a useful ally—helping us create space in the mind, settle the body, and ease into the moment. Combined with mindfulness of breathing and Metta Bhavana, it becomes part of a broader toolkit for living with greater clarity, peace, and compassion.

So, take a breath. Drop the pressure. Whether it’s CBD, meditation, or simply taking a mindful moment with your cup of tea—every little bit counts. Because, in the end, inner peace isn’t about doing more. It’s about being here, now.

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Written by Glenn Sullivan