Meditation:
A practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.[1]
I’ve heard a lot about meditation…. And yet I still didn’t really know what it was. To be honest, I had no intention of learning more. I was all about daily sweaty workouts and very physical outdoor adventures. Slowing down, mindfulness, breathing exercises…. this was all foreign to me. And… I really didn’t have an interest or feel a need to learn more.
Phase I:
Then I got stressed and felt that I needed more than just my daily workouts. So, I tried listening to a meditation DVD. During the sessions though, I found myself thinking of anything and everything but…. I completely failed to focus on meditating. This went on day after day – my mind going a million places except for how I was being guided through the meditation session. I felt like I was failing with no chance of success in sight.
Phase II:
Then, things changed a bit. Soon I found I was simply falling asleep in the middle of meditation. Apparently, I went from a brain on high speed during these sessions to one that was out cold during them. I wasn’t sure if this meant I was a meditation rock star or that I was just failing in a new way.
Phase III:
Eventually I hit what I call phase three. I not only learned to meditate but I could do it without any guidance. Besides using it in life in general, I quickly found it to be a huge help in easing my anxiety during exams, stressful interactions, medical procedures, etc… By focusing on my breathing, my body relaxed making whatever I was facing go better and become more stress-free for me. Success!
Admittedly I don’t make as much time for it as I should. And I know personally I would be so much better off if I did. Knowing I have this gem in my back pocket though for when I really need it has been a gift and a relief.
So, that’s my meditation story…. I went in completely blind and I ended up finding some great success with it! I would love to hear how others first journeyed into it and how they use it. I definitely could expand my use of it and reap more benefits from it. Baby steps for now,
bigger steps on the way.
I used to struggle with meditation but now that I’ve gotten the hang of it, I find that meditation is so helpful in de-stressing and helping to become calm.
Great post x
Karen| thekcomponent.com
Hi Lisa. Meditation really works for me and I'm glad you try it too. I think by being aware of our breath in and out is the key of meditation. You can check out Thich Nhat Hanh's book The Miracle of Mindfulness to know more about it. Good luck! Btw thank you so much for visiting my blog zaturaniamindbox.blogspot.com. I really appreciate it.