Let’s talk meditation for a moment.
Does the very idea of a meditation conversation make you nervous? feel calm? feel heard? or maybe agitated?
Just notice...
Do you have a meditation practice?
It's okay if you don't.
It's great if you do.
It's perfectly fine to be somewhere in between.
I've written this post for all of you!
5 Reasons to Start a Meditation Practice NOW!
Psychology and neurological research shows that around 20 minutes of meditation daily can drastically improve multiple aspects of our well-being.
20 minutes is an approximation, everybody is different, everyone’s ability to settle into a meditation practice is different and every meditation is different. I like to look at meditation as a muscle, the more you practice, the more flexible you become and the easier it is to dive deep into a meditative state.
My current meditation routine is segmented to suit my busy lifestyle. I practice a silent/still meditation for ten minutes in the morning. I practice a five-minute intention based (usually with mantra or affirmations) meditation in the afternoon and then I practice a ten-minute reiki meditation at night. This is simply what works for me, right now.
When my kids were younger, my meditation used to literally happen in the shower. It was the only time I had to myself. I would stand beneath the warm water, feel it’s rhythm, invite my breath to grow slow and deep, and there beneath the waves…I mean, shower head, I would find the peace and grounding that gave structure and form to the rest of my day.
Not into sitting still for several minutes at a time? There are so many different types of meditation. Perhaps you’re drawn towards prayer or gratitude journaling. Maybe a walking or active meditation is more your speed and a nature walk or time at the beach or fishing by a lake is what you need to reset, reboot, and find balance. Into guided meditations? Check out my homepage, I’ve got a few you can practice with!
Don’t have time for meditation? Download your favorite mantra, affirmation, nature sound on whatever music streaming service you use and listen to it, eyes closed, for a few minutes on your morning Subway, Metro or car commute. It all counts!
However you feel called, during this National Meditation Month, I urge you to experiment, to open yourselves up to the power and beauty of a meditation practice. If not for 20 minutes a day, then 10; if not for 10 minutes a day then 5, or 2 or 1. Any start is the right start!
5 REASONS TO START A MEDITATION PRACTICE:
Meditating Reduces Stress- When you meditate, you stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system which helps the body rest, digest, and experience calm. In this state, cortisol (your stress hormone) production ceases and melatonin (your relaxation hormone) is produced.
Meditating Promotes Mental Clarity and Focus- Meditation is both relaxing and rejuvenating for the brain which helps to fine tune our cognitive functioning. A calm and steady mind, is also better at endurance and focus.
Meditating Helps to Relieve Anxiety and Depression- Cortisol feeds anxiety and depression. Meditating is known to subdue cortisol production and increase the production of melatonin, resulting and feelings of calm, peace and contentment.
Meditating Can Help to Lower Blood Pressure- Meditation calmed the central nervous system, relieves the body of stress and anxiety, all factors that lead to high blood pressure. Through meditation the parasympathetic nerve response is initiated which encourages a reduction in blood pressure rates.
Meditation Can Help to Relieve Insomnia- Due to the calming effect of meditation (increase in melatonin, the sleep inducing hormone) the body reacts by entering into a state of rest. This restful state helps to encourage a deep and undisturbed sleep.
So there you have it.
5 Reasons to Start a Meditation Practice NOW!
Baby steps, dear friends.
Slow and steady wins the race.
