Trying mindfulness meditation
We have been discussing mindfulness practices for some time now. And it’s about time to try mindfulness meditation if you haven’t already. Being a mindfulness practitioner, I get to see the positive impact of mindfulness meditation not just personally but also among the people I work with. It also means I know how hard it could be for beginners, so let’s talk about meditation today.
Mindful Meditation
Meditation is wrongly understood as the practice of quieting the mind by removing thoughts. Our brain is an organ and it makes thoughts. The harder you try to stop the thought the harder it will get to be rid of it. If you have ever tried to meditate and felt that you are doing it all wrong as the thoughts kept coming in, you need to know that’s how the human brain works. Thoughts come.
Mindful meditation is bringing your attention to the present moment with an intention to be fully aware of the here and now. You may use breath, bodily sensations, sound or chant as an anchor to stay or come back to the present each time your brain makes a thought and your mind wanders. Each time you realise you have a thought, simply notice that the thought is there and without judging the thought or yourself, come back to your anchor.
Meditating for a beginner
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start practicing meditation with the help of an instructor. However, if you’d like to try it on your own using an app or online video instructions, that is fine too. Remember, it will take time to get a hang of it. Do not push yourself at any point. Make sure there are no distractions during the time of meditation.
Make it a habit
Whether you feel you did it right or not, set aside time for it and practice regularly. In time, you learn to meditate and experience the positive impact meditation has on your mind and body and when you practice regularly, you’ll see those positive effects cascade into other parts of your day too. However, if you have a negative experience during the practice, then speak to your instructor. They will be able to guide you in the right direction.
When you find it difficult…
You may find it difficult to just sit with yourself, especially, if you are going through hardships in life. People with depression, anxiety, and chronic stress also find it difficult. While mindful meditation is most beneficial to them, it does not come easy. In such a case, you may choose an alternative route to meditation. Instead of starting with sitting meditation, take up mindful yoga, body scan meditation or yoga nidra, slow mindful movements, walking meditation and so on. Ease into seated meditation only once you feel comfortable.
How does it help?
Meditation brings in a sense of calmness almost instantly. When practised regularly, it improves your overall quality of life. Gradually, you understand how often your mind goes on autopilot, and learn to recognise when it does. It improves sleep and relaxes your mind and body. It helps increase metabolism. It enhances focus, clarity, creativity and compassion. It has a positive impact on your overall well-being.
