“Do you meditate?” This question was asked to me 10 years ago by a personal trainer I was working with at a gym. “NO” was my answer as I had never really heard or thought about it other than it being something that Zen monks do somewhere far away. A woo-woo kind of thing that was just too weird for me.
The thought however did stay in my head and as the years progressed and life happened, the curiosity of meditation followed me. I slowly began to read more about it. I began to experience, practice and fell in love as I saw significant changes in the way I show up for my life. My intrigue led me further to teacher training and a consistent daily practice. Because I have experienced the power of stillness, I feel compelled to share that with you and to invite you to give it a try for yourself.
The benefits of meditation are so off the charts amazing, it’s hard to believe that we wouldn’t make it a daily thing no matter what’s going on in life and especially when things are going on in life. If this article is causing you to feel angst and resistance to it, thinking you don’t have time, it’s just not for you, you’re not good at it, and you have too many thoughts to sit still with, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Most people feel that way. I sure did.
When I let go of the limiting beliefs of why I can’t and allowed myself to give it a try, magic happened. What I discovered from a consistent practice is that it’s not only what happens when you are in mediation but what you take with you from the mediation and how every area of your life changes for the better. If you want better for yourself, stay with me here.
These are the indisputable health benefit that you get from meditating:
- stills and calms your mind
- prepares you for the ups and downs of life
- reduces tension, fear, worry, restlessness
- sharpens concentration and intuition
- improves power thinking
- creates clarity
- life becomes a flow instead of a struggle
- things seem to fall into place
- you become less judgmental
Amazing! With benefits like this, why would you NOT meditate? and unlike pills, there are no negative side effects. You can do this. You can’t screw it up or do it wrong. Here’s how to start:
Sit in a comfortable place in a comfortable position, with your back straight and head aligned. The rest of your body should just hang lose. An erect posture is very important and allows for mental alertness so you don’t fall asleep. Clothing should be lose and your shoes should be off. Begin breathing. Focus on the breath coming in and out. If your mind wanders off, (and it will) pull back to your breath.
Your goal is to stay there. Observe and watch what happens – without judging it. Your thoughts are never going to shut down, but in this practice, you will notice them and allow them to pass and the next one to arrive. Most people think you have to get rid of all thoughts while you meditate. That’s impossible.
Your thoughts are always going to come. The point is that you don’t make them mean anything. You watch them come and watch them go, all the time pulling back to focus on your breath. THAT’S IT.
I know you’re busy and think you have no time. The fact is that meditation actually gives you more time and a better quality of time in your life. YOU ONLY NEED 10 minutes. I know you can find that. As you start to experience the benefit of sitting in meditation, you can increase the time. It will happen naturally.
If you are interested in improving your life, this tool is here for you, and you can access it wherever you are. No special equipment, memberships or classes are necessary. Just you, your breathe and a firm commitment to it. Think of meditation as a gift that you give to yourself so that you can make the world better with your presence.
Rosie Battista, Your Spiritual Concierge, One-on-one intimate and group dialogues, about nutrition, fitness, love and life. 908-872-8613 / rosiebattista.com/instagram @rosiebattista