Meditation. What do you think of when I write that word? Perhaps images of robed men sitting in a row on a fallen tree comes to mind? Lots of chanting? Something that sounds… a little out-there, right?
Well, meditation is more than that, and also, so much less. Meditation is, whatever you want it to be, and however you want to do it.
Ok, that’s a little vague. Here’s my take:
Meditation can be done in many ways, shapes, and forms. But before I get into that, I want to share some benefits of mediation with you.
Meditation has been shown to lower stress, and guess what? Less stress=less problems. Less problems for your body and mind. The NCCIH and Harvard talk about the plethora of benefits from mediating and it seriously blows my mind.
Lowers blood pressure? Check.
Reduces anxiety? Check.
Improves pain? Check.
And so. much. more.
But let’s circle back to how to meditate. It doesn’t have to be crystals and malas and chanting and relaxing music. It can be your own unique style and type of mindfulness.
Meditation is a way to become aware and accepting of what is going on right now.
It’s not learning from the past, or planning for the future. It is acknowledging how you feel now, and having an awareness of that feeling, not a reaction.
It’s literally just being quiet and still for a few moments.
Maybe the answers come to you, maybe questions come instead. Maybe you just observe your thoughts and that’s it.
Take 5 minutes out of your day (or more) to do this meditation exercise:
1. Start comfortable, seated or laying down. When you are ready, close your eyes. Focus first on your breath. Inhales and exhales generous and full.
2. Slowly, start to count your inhales and exhales so that they are the same speed.
3. Gently, move your awareness to where your breath is going. Your chest, your ribs/lungs, your belly. Then the push of air out of the spaces it just occupied.
4. Then, just sit and let your mind wander. If you think about anything, pretend your thoughts are clouds and you are LOOKING at them, not reacting to them.
If need be, repeat from the beginning, or only stay at the step of counting your breaths until you are ready to move forwards.
See? Not too daunting at all 🙂
Meditation can help give you mental clarity, and help you be more aware of your body and what’s going on within.
