Stepping onto a path that draws from Eastern, non-deity-based practices often feels like uncharted territory. Early on, finding solid ground can be tricky—there’s no altar or prayer formula handed down through generations. Without a familiar framework, confusion may pop up: How long should a sitting last? Which schools of thought really resonate? Trial and error becomes the name of the game.

Meditation discipline tends to be the first stumbling block. Minds wired for constant stimulation clash head-on with the stillness of a cushion. Wandering thoughts, self-judgment, even boredom sneak in. It’s like trying to teach an old dog new tricks—patience and persistence are essential. In the age of TikTok mindfulness challenges or buzzy apps like Calm and Headspace, it’s easy to chase quick fixes instead of deepening the practice.

Another wrinkle comes from cultural appropriation concerns. Borrowing concepts from Buddhism or Taoism without grasping their nuances can feel hollow, sometimes even disrespectful. Sincere study—perhaps through local sanghas or online Dharma talks—helps avoid surface-level shopping for the “zen” aesthetic.

Community or mentorship may be thin on the ground. Group practice anchors motivation and offers guidance, yet not every city hosts meditation centers. Virtual retreats and podcasts have filled that gap since the pandemic, but digital gatherings can’t fully substitute face-to-face exchange.

Modern life’s hustle throws in its own curveballs. Balancing a packed schedule with the slow cadence of mindful living can feel like juggling flaming torches. Work, family, social media – they all tug attention away from the present moment. Establishing small rituals—a single mindful breath before morning coffee or a brief walking meditation at lunch—helps bridge the worlds.

Lastly, lofty expectations about enlightenment or sudden insight often backfire. Patience truly is a virtue here, as growth usually unfolds in tiny nudges, not fireworks. Embracing the occasional “Aha!” alongside the long stretches of ordinary days turns the journey into a meaningful tapestry rather than a sprint to some finish line.