Meditation is Not Overrated

How meditation is added to my daily check-in

Photo by alexandra lammerink on Unsplash

I usually write things down or go for a run to clear my head and reset my moods.

However, meditation has provided me the best natural healing.

Meditation is the process of calming the mind. It is useful when you have a lot of thoughts to handle in your head.

You can use meditation to help bring clarity, calmness, and concentration.

It is attributed to the practice of self-awareness, it aids your immune system, and it has been discovered that it even slows aging and ultimately leads to overall happiness.

The aim of meditation is to feel relaxed yet focused.

2020 has been a difficult year and though this is not a new practice it deserves the attention.

I hope mediation helps you as it does me.

Here’s how to meditate:

1. Find a quiet place you can sit calmly, alone with no distractions.
2. Breathe deeply and calmly, regulating each inhales and exhales.
3. Concentrate on relaxing each muscle in your body; one at a time, as if they’re made of butter softening in the sun.
4. Concentrate on a reassuring word or phrase like ‘happy’ or ‘success’ to let go of negative thoughts.
5. Or concentrate on an image or visualization of you achieving a goal.
6. Stay focused on your image or word for 5–10 minutes. Breathe.
7. When you feel other images moving around your head, witness them without emotion, and let them fade, returning to your focus image or word. Acknowledge with minimal reaction.
8. When you feel an itch or feeling, name them ‘itch’ or ‘frustration’ as an example. Do so with minimal attention, letting the feeling go and returning to your focus image or word.

Take-Home

Meditation does take a bit of practice, but it will become easier over time, and you will become less distracted as you meditate.

The best advice I have for those curious about meditation is that it doesn’t take long, is done alone, and without any equipment.

If you find yourself looking for more, writer Norah James suggests this approach.

Find out what is most comfortable for you and go with that.

You don’t have to sit cross-legged and with candles about (though a sweet aroma may help set the mood).

Meditation is self-awareness of right now. It is grounding when overwhelmed.

Personalize it and focus on the present space to keep you going.

Thanks for reading. I’m always looking to learn and share stories. Please follow me here @modern.therapist

For more, read Mental Strength Hacks