Meditation is one of those practices that sound easy in theory but, can be a bit tricky once you get started. It is an exercise that encourages awareness and compassion – both for oneself and for others.
What is meditation?
According to the Collins Dictionary, meditation is defined as the act of remaining in a silent and calm state for a period of time, as part of religious training, or so that you are more able to deal with the problems of everyday life. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? According to Headspace, meditation is the practice of intentionally spending time with our mind, to take time out of our busy days to sit, breathe, and try to remain focused. Meditation is not so much about emptying the mind or stopping our thoughts, it is more about being able to see those thoughts more clearly, to allow ourselves time to properly process. It encourages mindfulness, the quality of being present in every moment of our lives – at rest, play, and even work.
Why meditate?
In this busy world, allowing yourself time to simply sit (or walk, or run, or swim, or dance…) mindfully and with intention can allow us to take life more in our stride, to not be bogged down by things we can’t control. People who incorporate meditation practices into their daily routines often find themselves feeling less stressed, sleeping better, and are more focused when they need to be.
People who incorporate meditation practices into their daily routines often find themselves feeling less stressed, sleeping better, and are more focused when they need to be.
How to begin your meditation journey
Learning to meditate is like learning any other skill – it takes time and consistent practice to feel comfortable and to see change occurring. The first thing to do is find yourself a comfortable spot, either indoors or outdoors, where you can just simply be. If you don’t have access to a perfectly silent place, that’s okay – just quiet as many distractions as you can. There are many guided meditations available online, with podcasts and apps providing helpful hints and step-by-step guides you can follow along with. Carving out the time can often be the trickiest part of starting a meditation practice, especially with so many things competing for your time and energy, so even setting aside just a few minutes a day can be a solution.
