Whenever I start to feel unsettled, uneasy or stressed out, it’s usually because I have gotten away from my morning practice that includes meditation. Or maybe I’ve been going through the motions, but not really quieting my brain.
If you haven’t made meditation a part of your daily practice, I HIGHLY recommend you start today!
When I first started in 2007, it was super foreign to me. I had read about all of the benefits of meditation so I knew I wanted to try it, but I remember the first few times were a strruuuggle! Quieting my mind seemed impossible, there was so much swirling around in there!
But once I got the hang of it, I knew I would do it for the rest of my life because it feels soooo amazing!
When we feel threatened, stressed or worried (Corona Virus, violent protests, jobless rates… -Anyone???), our bodies release cortisol and adrenaline. Adrenaline comes and goes quickly (think fight or flight), but cortisol levels stay elevated to help us with a long battle.
Over time, those elevated levels can really be harmful to our bodies.
Cortisol contributes to higher blood pressure, high cholesterol and it also lowers our immunity. It makes us jumpy and irritable and increases cravings for unhealthy comfort foods, which causes us to gain weight. Super fun right?
Meditation helps you to get your hormones under control and restore balance once again. It gives you the time and space you need to connect with the natural rhythms of your body as you breathe in energy and then release resistance as you exhale.
It will leave you feeling peaceful, optimistic and exhilarated with life. Yes, especially when it seems the world has gone mad.
If you’d like to incorporate meditation into your day, I would suggest you do it first thing in the morning as it will help you set the tone for your day. But truly there are no rules, you can meditate whenever you’d like!
Here are a few tips to help you become a zen pro!
- Be comfortable. It’s hard to empty your mind when you have pain, so rather than trying to “look” right, find a position that is comfortable but also makes you feel alert. Lying down might not work if it makes you fall asleep (I have first hand knowledge of this).
- Choose a peaceful, quiet environment. Nothing will ruin your meditation more quickly than a lot of noise and distractions.
- Use music. There are so many incredible options available for free. Search youtube on your phone and you will find hundreds of free files. Whether you like guided meditation (someone speaking in the background) or simply instrumental music, it doesn’t matter. Try several and find what resonates with you!
- Be consistent. If you are just starting, it will be difficult until you get the hang of it, but stay with it! It’s so worth it! Put it on your calendar and make it an unbreakable commitment to yourself. Empty your mind. Each time you find thoughts creeping in, simply redirect your brain to focus on your breath (three slow counts in and 5 slow coins out).
- Ask a question. For me, meditation is a spiritual practice as I use it to connect with God. A little different than prayer, I use it to be silent and remember who I really am. I use it to notice my body and feel gratitude. I also use it to pose a single question, and then listen for answers. It’s a beautiful opportunity to discover wisdom from a higher, loving source. You will be amazed by the overwhelming love you will feel from above.
Your wellbeing is always at the top of my mind. In every way, I want to help you become the next, highest version of yourself. If you haven’t done so yet, give meditation a try. Commit to a minimum of 30 days and discover for yourself the incredible benefits!