Is wandering attention normal?
Short Answer
Yes. Wandering is the default behavior of attention. Mindfulness trains earlier detection and gentler returning, not permanent concentration.
Why This Matters
Validation questions are where most beginners quit. Normalizing variability reduces comparison and shame, which makes practice sustainable. The ability to notice “I’m not mindful” is itself mindfulness.
Where This Changes
Some experiences need a different approach, not reassurance—persistent dissociation, panic spikes, or destabilization are signals to adjust practice or seek guidance. Safety beats intensity.