A day in the life of a meditation practice…

I wasn’t sure how this would work with me in the beginning, because being a bit of a zebbidy, (for those of you who know who this is, you will get what I am saying), because I was here, there and everywhere, constantly on the go, so as you can imagine, me and meditation, hmmm.

So it goes like this.. I knew as part of my spiritual path that I needed to do this and yes it was a ‘need’. I started doing 15 mins then worked up to 90 minutes and sometimes longer. At first, yes it is friggin hard, because the brain was all over the place, telling me to ‘get up’. ‘I’m bored’ to ‘have a cup of tea’ to ‘really is this something you really want to be doing’… etc etc. Getting frustrated is a gentle way of saying how I felt at the time, because I really wanted to be able to do this as part of my learning. So I get it that you you’re thinking it’s hard, but like anything you do, you need to practice , be consistent and really want to do it. What also helped me was listening to Joe Dizpenza, he really does encourage you. (not even sure how I got to him but that’s the universe for you!).

So what exactly is Mindfulness Meditation?

Well it isn’t you sitting there chanting for hours on end. It really is just about you with self, you sitting or lying still, having a sense of awareness of what is going on around you, being aware of your mind & body, especially how it is feeling and being non judgemental to self and to others.

And please don’t ever think, that you can completely clear your mind, nope, nanna, definitely not.. honestly the amount of people who get hung up on this is huge and this can become a real sticking point for most people. You really don’t need to turn those thoughts off, just acknowledge them, observe them, then let them go. I like to see them drifting off like clouds in the sky.

Learning to meditate is like anything you learn for the first time, it takes patience and practice, yep I said it, patience and practice. And I can assure you, that is not what I had when I started. Oh it was a process, a long, slow process! and finding the time, well lordy.. but your determination will over come all obstacles. That was all just fear, so I persevered, I sat my butt down and didn’t get up until I did the time I wanted.

So from me to you, I say the best way to think about meditation, is to just think of it like exercising a muscle that you have never worked before.  It’s going to be a tad painful but the rewards will speak for themselves, that I can promise you. And remember, there is no such thing as a perfect meditation.  Your focus will wander, you will forget to follow your breath, you’ll think about what to eat for dinner etc, but that’s fine, because all you need to is become aware of those thoughts and just bring your attention right back. Right back to the breath, it really is worth it.

Benefits to Mindfulness Meditation

Meditation has been scientifically proven to be hugely beneficial for your mental health, so why wait.

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Reduces depression
  • Keeps your mind stress free
  • Helps you to appreciate life
  • Increases your intention span
  • Improves metabolism and helps you lose weight
  • Helps you to sleep better
  • Makes you happier
  • Helps you feel more connected
  • Helps you feel more confident
  • Reduces the signs of ageing
  • Builds focus and concentration
  • Decreases pain
  • Boosts the immune system
  • lowers blood pressure
  • Eases inflammation
  • Gives you a sense of awareness to self and to others.
  • You will feel amazing…

So, go, find a quiet place, get comfortable, play some relaxing music, start with 3 minutes then work up slowly to 10 minutes then 20, then 30 then keep going.

There is nothing to lose but everything to gain, who wouldn’t want to feel lighter, happier, healthier and free, I sure as hell did and still do.

Huge love

Julie