What's Up with Meditating!?
Updated: Mar 20, 2020
You've seen it. You've heard about it. Heck, you probably know someone who does it. But what really is the over under on that weirdo, woo-woo stuff we call meditation? Let me tell you: it isn't as far fetched as you think.
First, let's go ahead and debunk a few of the myths surrounding meditation and the people who practice it.
1. People who meditate are not all hippies.
2. Meditating doesn't mean someone has to sit there and say "om" over and over again.
3. Those that meditate are not all health freaks.
4. Meditating is not a chore.
5. Meditating is also not just for yogis.
Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about what it actually is and why it's so awesome!
Practicing meditation is just that: a practice. And like any other thing you have to practice, it takes a lot of work on the front end and continual work to get better at it. Remember when you were six and you just started playing soccer or dancing or shooting baskets? Yeah, you sucked. Your parents probably told you how great you were, but they straight up lied right to your tiny, little face. After awhile though, their lies started turning into truths and you actually did kinda rock at dribbling or twirling about. Believe it or not, meditating works very similarly. Except your parents probably won't watch you do it...
Meditating makes everybody better off. If you're mediating, not only are you doing yourself a great service, but any person that you're around benefits as well. You're pouring from a full cup. You have abundance to give and are of more service to all around. When you're operating from a high frequency, you have more to offer the world. It's your duty to find that place!
Another fun fact about meditation: there is no one way to do it. The foundation of meditating is simply just to allow you to find peace and focus on breathing and being. That easy. For me, meditation looks different almost every time I practice. Sometimes I sit quietly and focus solely on my belly rising and falling from my deep breathing. Sometimes, I use a guided meditation app. Sometimes I close my eyes and repeat "I am" affirmations in my mind over and over again, just being present with myself. Sometimes I focus on what I want to manifest in my life. I know that everything I want is already out there and when I focus my energy towards receiving it, I find that it comes more readily to me. Sometimes I lay flat on the ground, close my eyes, and just give myself a big hug. I stay like that, focusing on breathing and self love, for nearly half an hour sometimes.
The thing about meditating is that anyone can do it. Literally anybody. You can be the least coordinated person on the planet. The fattest, the shortest, the smartest, or the most athletic. Doesn't matter. Meditating is for YOU! Meditating not only gives you the "me time" each person should take in a day, but it grounds you, relieves stress, dials in focus, and helps you live intentionally. People who meditate are statistically happier, healthier, more peaceful, and may even live longer than their non-meditating counterparts. Why wouldn't you get in on this!?
If you're ready to seriously enhance your life, try the tips below to get in the game:
Try a guided meditation if you have NO idea where to start.
Try listening to a meditation channel on Spotify for inspired practice.
Start small. Set a stopwatch, turn it upside down, and shoot for just 5 minutes. Shoot for longer each time.
Environment is everything. Meditate in a quiet, clutter free, serene place. That might be your bedroom, a sunroom, a studio, or even out in nature.
Do what feels right for you. I listed several ways I personally meditate, but maybe those are not comfortable for you specifically. Try different methods and find what floats your boat and gets you going!
What are you waiting for!?