Ofosu: For years I tried to muscle through meditations while intrusive negative thoughts were assaulting me. I thought if I could just meditate well enough, long enough, strong enough…the thoughts would eventually dissipate. Instead, I’d get caught in a loop where negative thoughts tangled with self-judgement and meditator imposter syndrome, creating a whole lot of suffering. A recent diagnosis of pure OCD offered valuable insight into my brain’s way of functioning. I’ve adapted my practice to support rather than suppress my mind’s unique needs, relaxing into an open awareness and cultivating compassion in abundance. Tonight I’ll share some of the meditation strategies that have helped me to befriend my brain!