One thing that has tremendously helped me to get a grip on the stressors of life, is meditation. I have tried to meditate before but thought I must be an “extra-thinker” because I never could quiet my mind enough to really make it work. I thought I was not good at it, and that it was just a bunch of bullshit from people who didn’t have as much to think about as I did. Ha! Well with lots of practice I found it to be life-changing. This is why I want to tell you what I learned about the importance of incorporating a meditation practice into your daily routine.
What meditation really is…
When my youngest daughter was a toddler, she wouldn’t nap unless I lied down beside her. I, of course, had to pretend I was sleeping so that she would do the same. Lying there with my eyes closed for about 15–20 minutes until she fell asleep, I focused on my breathing to make it really look like I was sleeping. (she’s a smart cookie) I know, I know…I should have read a book on sleep training for my daughter but instead, I was essentially learning to meditate.
When I got up very quietly after she fell asleep, I felt very focused, alert, rested, and peaceful. Perhaps this is just a normal feeling after you’ve finally gotten your toddler to sleep? But I think it was due to the fact that I was essentially meditating.
Once my kids were beyond the age of napping, I didn’t have those moments of meditation on the sofa. I tried to meditate after hearing about its importance but could never get into a meditative state of not thinking. Instead, I found myself creating my to-do lists, or solving a number of problems in my head.
But, early in 2020, I decided I should give this another try. I read about how it can relieve stress and anxiety, create focus, and hone creativity. I also read before that prayer is speaking to God and meditation is listening to God. So, I decided I’d love to hear what God had to say about my life and direction. Maybe God has some answers about the situation we were in?
“If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe. You will feel its rhythm. Go with this flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key.” -Buddha
Advanced Meditation
My mom used to meditate. I’m not sure exactly when she started but I believe it was around the time she had breast cancer. This very stressful and uncertain time brought her to meditation. She would spend time every day connecting to her angels and communicating telepathically. No joke! Through this interchange between mom and her angel, she would receive information about things before they happened. It was nuts! (more on this in a future post)
Meditation doesn’t usually result in being able to talk to spirits or angels. Or, at least not for the novice meditator. But, I do know that by quieting your mind for at least 20 minutes per day and taking a step back to observe your thoughts, feelings, sounds, body sensations, you really begin to tap into your intuition, creativity, and source within (Christians call this the Holy Spirit).
How To Meditate
You don’t have to sit on a pillow on the floor with your thumb and pointer finger connected to meditate, trust me. I enjoy my “coffee meditation” every morning where I clasp my hands lightly around my warm coffee mug and close my eyes. I’m seated upright in a chair with my feet resting flat on the floor, I plug in my earbuds, turn on my meditation app and breathe. Breathe and focus on my breath. Listening to the guided meditation before I actually drink my coffee (because if you are too caffeinated, good luck with trying to quiet your mind). Any time my mind begins to wander, (like every 20 seconds or so), I focus again on my breath. Telling myself “breathe in, breathe out”.
After the 20 minutes, I do a 5–10 minute meditation prayer asking for guidance, strength, and protection. Because of Free Will, we need to ask. Sometimes I am moved to tears because of the beauty in the moment of divine connection. It’s a great way to begin your day!
Why Meditation Is Helpful
Meditation is not zoning out, the absence of thought, or trying to do something. It’s almost like being a fly on the wall, observing what is coming and going in your mind, releasing those thoughts, and getting into a rhythm of breathing.
By controlling your mind through this practice you are actually tapping into your higher self and releasing the ego which will change how you react to things. Replacing fear and anxiety with feeling calm yet focused. Doing this daily will strengthen your ability to tap into these reserves when life gets challenging.
My Favorite Meditation App
I have been a subscriber to Breethe, a meditation app for about 6 months now. Prior to that, I have tried countless others because I feel like I have a better chance of getting into my meditation if I’m being guided. For someone learning how to meditate, having someone guide you is helpful. Plus, sometimes the sounds and music are just so beautiful to listen to and will help you get into it.
What I like about Breethe is the variety of practical guided meditations that you can choose to help you with whatever your goals are. For example; do you want to achieve success, find your purpose, manage difficult emotions, improve your focus, develop creativity, lose weight? There are hundreds of guided meditations in there to help with those goals and many others. Except for maybe… getting your toddler to sleep.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself stressed out with everything going on in your life, meditation could be the answer. But, it’s a practice, just like working out in the gym. You have to make time to do it and do it consistently before it really begins to show you its benefits. I now have gotten to the point where I feel “off” and not myself if I don’t begin my day by connecting with my higher source.