Meditation

Do you meditate? Or do you think that meditation is just sitting with your legs crisscrossed and doing nothing? While sitting that way is a popular position, and not doing any physical activity is somewhat the point, meditation is much more than that and goes deep within. It is about taking a moment to reflect on yourself as a whole, taking that moment to just BE and examining your body, mind, and spirit. Realigning these things, thoughts, and feelings as oneself.

Finding a comfortable position, whatever position that may be, let your body tell you. If you are not comfortable, then that will be the only thought instead of being relaxed. And if you are directly connected with the earth, even better! An uninterrupted space works best but understandably is not always possible. I think relaxing music or the sound of nature in the background is a must. Most of the time I prefer a guided meditation and suggest beginners try that first. It does take some time to get used to and the guides always remind me to come back to the present moment. Since my mind is always ticking and I still find it hard at times to stay focused. That is why it is called a practice, right? Begin by focusing on your breath, slow deep breathing slows the heart rate and will put you in a relaxed state of mind. Some people have the ability to go right into it, while others it may take longer. Start out with some short sessions 2-5 minutes and work your way up slowly.

Todd, Kloey and I listen to a guided healing meditation every night, it helps calm my overwhelmed mind. The thoughts are still there however it helps me let them go for in the moment of mediation, that is all I need to be doing, letting go of those wandering thoughts and just relaxing. It’s about winding down and resting your mind and body. Before I started nightly meditations, I would toss and turn for over an hour before I fell asleep. I find it amazing that doing meditation at different times of the day have different effects on your body, it is going to give you what your body needs at that moment.

Personally, I am so bad at morning meditations and feel like I just need to start my day instead of meditating. But when I take the time to “check in” with myself before starting my day, I can tell a difference and surprisingly don’t feel as rushed. Something about beginning my day with good set intentions eases my mood for a positive day to deal with whatever life is going to throw my way. I feel motivated to get my day started with a good outlook and get done what I need to. I have not always been this way and I would not have ever said that I’m much of a morning person in general. Nowadays I am up relatively early as my body as adapted to awakening with the sun. I credit this to being more connected and grounded with the earth through numerous lifestyle changes.

I believe that our bodies are capable of so much more than we give it credit for. Setting aside time to examine the body fully from your toes all the way up to the top of your head. Listening to what your body is trying to tell you, any pain, discomfort or sensations. Take time to notice why you have these feelings. These are the symptoms, but not always the problems. Often we find the answers we are looking for within ourselves, this help guide us. It makes sense that our physical awareness has an impact on the thoughts in your mind and vice versa, doesn’t it?

Why are some of us able to use a greater percentage of our brains? Then supposedly the majority of us only use something like 10 percent, that can’t really be true. I think meditation allows us to tap into some of that other part. Bringing us into another state of mind and allowing our conscious and subconscious minds to work in harmony with one another. Everyone knows about the placebo effect…how do you explain that without believing that the mind and body can heal itself? What about the Nocebo effect, it is the opposite and where people believe the negatives and make them into reality…crazy stuff. Our minds really are astonishing!

Be mindful in everyday life and bring awareness to your surroundings. Incorporate meditation into a healthier lifestyle routine. Learn to live a more abundant life. Remember the past cannot be changed, don’t worry about the future and just live in the present and learn to appreciate it. I have found when I’m feeling like I do not have the time to meditate is when it is most needed, so I make sure I do it at least once a day. We are hoping in the near future to start some beginners meditation classes and believe that anybody can benefit from this practice.