Key Teachings of Buddhism - Appropriate Attention

before you get into the present moment, the Buddha recommends that you start thinking in a more universal way because otherwise there’s that problem I mentioned just now. You sit there you think, “Gosh, I’m a miserable meditator. I can’t do this.” But when you realize that everybody faces the same problems, it’s a lot easier to stick with it. There’s less personal recrimination and more of a balanced, equanimous, objective view. And not just that. The questions you’re bringing into the present moment depend on what your larger view is." ~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Appropriate Attention"