Switch up 'where' you meditate and try different things - see what works for YOU!
Meditation is meant to offer you freedom. Freedom from your own noise and stress and issues. The last thing that meditation was ever meant to do was to cause you any more stress about HOW you are meditating! There is no “one” way…there is no “right” way. There is only YOUR way. Let finding your meditation practice be a fun adventure. Try different modalities and experiment with all that is out there to explore. It can be not just fun, but perhaps more freeing than you ever imagined when you put your mind to it and keep your expectations at bay.
Clear your mind, wipe away all your ideas about what meditation ‘should’ be and simply see what feels good to you. No worries, no right and wrong – only listen to your gut and your heart and don’t allow your heart to sway you in any way. If the Mayo Clinic (as one of the most prestigious hospitals in the world) can offer up the following, you know that you owe yourself to at least consider what we have said above. Take a look and see what you think!
Variation On A (Meditation) Theme
- Walk and meditate. Combining a walk with meditation is an efficient and healthy way to relax. You can use this technique anywhere you’re walking — in a tranquil forest, on a city sidewalk or at the mall. When you use this method, slow down the pace of walking so that you can focus on each movement of your legs or feet. Don’t focus on a particular destination. Concentrate on your legs and feet, repeating action words in your mind such as lifting, moving and placing as you lift each foot, move your leg forward and place your foot on the ground.
- Engage in prayer. Prayer is the best known and most widely practiced example of meditation. Spoken and written prayers are found in most faith traditions. You can pray using your own words or read prayers written by others. Check the self-help or 12-step-recovery section of your local bookstore for examples. Talk with your rabbi, priest, pastor or other spiritual leader about resources.
- Read and reflect. Many people report that they benefit from reading poems or sacred texts, and taking a few moments to quietly reflect on their meaning. You also can listen to sacred music, spoken words or any music you find relaxing or inspiring. You may want to write your reflections in a journal or discuss them with a friend or spiritual leader.
- Focus your love and gratitude. In this type of meditation, you focus your attention on a sacred object or being, weaving feelings of love and gratitude into your thoughts. You can also close your eyes and use your imagination or gaze at representations of the object. (Read more)
Try at least one of the above, and then research some other options for meditating and try at least one of those. No rush, take your time and see what resonates with you. What meditation technique helps you to feel centered? Which one helps you to feel calm and at peace? Which modality assists you in feeling refreshed when the session is over? That (whatever ‘that’ is) is a good practice for you and should be integrated into your life.
At the beginning, make it your goal to meditate for about 10-15 minutes each day. Increase the time or add on a second session during your day and see how it changes your outlook on everything. I wish you the best, I wish you peace and I wish you a more relaxed and comfortable life! Namaste
