Learn about the benefits of incorporating Meditation into your daily routine!
Why Meditate?
"Through the practice of meditation, we become less identified with the ticker tape that runs through our head, less convinced that our thoughts hold some inherent truth or importance, and less committed to solving each problem/emergency about which our thoughts remind us." -Nancy Colier, LCSW, Rev.
MY Experience with Meditation
Have you ever tried to meditate? I have, and the first time I attempted to mediate I remember being very confused on how exactly I was supposed to meditate. I remember sitting on the floor, I closed my eyes, played music from a zen playlist on youtube, and tried to make my mind go "blank." Of course, It did not take long for my mind to start wandering. And when it did, I felt like I was never going to be able to meditate. I kept thinking thoughts like, "what is wrong with me, why can't I focus?" "Why am I thinking? I'm not supposed to be thinking- it's meditation." But in reality, meditation is not just about "quieting your mind." The point of meditation is to confront the thoughts, feelings, and realities of situations we often avoid in our busy lives. Once I realized that meditation was not a war with myself and my mind, it slowly became easier to grasp.
So here are MY tips on how to start Meditating:
Turn off your phone!
Cell phones are practically glued to our hands these days. Sometimes I feel "naked" without my cellphone, but I find it better for my overall mental health when I take moments away from my devices. In regards to meditation, you do not want or need any extra distractions! I turn my cellphone off when I meditate.
Get comfortable!
My favorite way to start any meditation is to make sure I am dressed for it- yes, that’s right! I dress for my meditation. Comfy clothes, (preferably sweat pants), are my go-to when I know I am going to be sitting on the ground confronting my thoughts.
Choose a position!
I love sitting on the floor, "criss-cross-applesauce." I close my eyes and place my hands over my knees. This position not only looks like I know what I am doing- but, it feels comfortable. And that is what meditation is about! Getting comfortable with, yourself: mind, body, thoughts, and all! So pick a position and get comfy.
Now... B R E A T H E!
Hot yoga is not only a kick-ass workout but has also taught me how to slow down and control my breathing. An example of this type of breathing would be, to gently inhale through your nose and then very slowly exhale. At first, this type of breathing may feel uncomfortable, but eventually, you will start to zone out. Focusing on my breathing and counting my breaths helped me to quiet my mind while meditating.
Don't fight your thoughts!
When I first started meditating I would get very frustrated with myself, my mind would wander. I would think about the errands I had to run or the schoolwork I had to do. I remember thinking, "why can't I stop thinking!" And my best advice is to allow these thoughts to happen, the more you fight the need to address these thoughts the harder it will be to feel "zen." Remember, the objective is not to stop thinking (I think that would be impossible).
Source:
Colier, N. (2013, January 29). Why meditate? Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/inviting-monkey-tea/201301/why-meditate
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