The Power of Meditation

Meditation is the art of training the mind towards calmness and relaxation. For me, it goes beyond just a daily practice that I need to do, but that I get to do. I see it as a safe space to connect inward, get answers, and allow my mind to clear. It involves honing attention towards the present moment, focusing on your breath, and letting your thoughts pass.

In the hustle, stress, and sometimes overwhelm of life, finding a space for calmness and just being with yourself can be transformative. From stress reduction to improved focus, it serves as a mental shower that washes away cluttered thoughts and emotions.

It goes beyond the physical and mental by allowing you to tap into spirituality, intuition, creativity, higher wisdom, and a sense of interconnectedness.

Significance of Meditation:

Meditation serves as a mindful habit. It challenges the autopilot brain (subconscious) and strengthens the intentional brain (conscious). For those who want to understand the benefits, I have listed out a few here. Meditation is backed by scientific findings and is an amazing holistic tool.

• Stress Reduction: Meditation is most known for aiding in stress reduction. It activates the body's relaxation response, leading to a decrease in the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. Our stress buckets are overflowing and meditation is a great tool for you to release some of it.

• Improved Emotional Well-being: Meditation serves as a powerful tool in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. By fostering a state of mindfulness and presence, it empowers you to observe and detach from negative emotions. Anxiety often arises from concerns about the future, while depression is linked to dwelling on the past. Meditation facilitates a shift to the present moment, providing a focused and grounded perspective.

• Changes in Brain Structure: Neuroscientific studies have shown that meditation can lead to structural changes in the brain. The areas associated with self-awareness, compassion, and introspection.

• Reduction in Inflammatory Responses: Chronic stress is often linked to inflammation. Inflammation is the constant in most disease and health issues. Meditation has been found to reduce markers of inflammation in the body and with the amount of inflammation in our bodies, tools that reduce it is key.

• And ….Improved Sleep Quality, Enhanced Focus and Concentration, Lowered Blood Pressure, Enhanced Coping Mechanisms, Increased Mindfulness, Positive Changes in Gene Expression, and more.

My Journey with Meditation:

Back in the day, I was the person who claimed, "I can't sit still, I can't focus, meditation is hard," and as we know my thoughts became my reality and in turn meditation felt challenging and pointless.

Once I shifted my intention around meditation and redefined my identity regarding what I could or couldn't do, I tried again. Was it tough initially? Absolutely. Did my thoughts run wild, and I thought it was a problem? Yes. Did I even stop midway to make a to-do list? Guilty. 

But now, I appreciate letting my thoughts roam freely, not feeling the need to grab hold of them. I let them pass and then return to my breath when I realize I am caught up in thought. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes before I realize I was in a thought loop, other times my mind feels clear and open to receive.

Committing to regular meditation came with some remarkable changes – increased energy, enhanced focus, emotional control, and a profound sense of presence. The ripple effect extended to gratitude, compassion, and an elevated vibration, and deepening my connection to self.

I mix it up; some days, I rely on an app to guide me. Occasionally, I simply sit quietly with myself, and at times, I pose a question to my higher self, sitting and listening for answers. There are also days when I opt for a walking meditation. Now that it has become a part of my daily routine, I enjoy experimenting with what feels good that day.

In the beginning, I used the app NuCalm to help me establish a routine and stay consistent to build the habit.

Here are some additional apps that are NOT Headspace or Calm:

• NuCalm
• Chopra
• Open
• Joe Dispenza
• Insight Timer
• Melissa Wood Health

You can also find some amazing free stuff on YouTube!

The Many Forms of Meditation:

There are many forms of mediation, try a few and see which one you like best. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Visualization involves creating mental images to promote relaxation and focus. I like to use this for manifesting my future reality.
• Asking a question to the higher self entails seeking guidance through internal dialogue. I use this when I feel stuck, need clarity, or looking for an answer. I will ask a question to my higher self and sit for 9-15 mins to see what comes through.
• Mindfulness meditation is all about present-moment awareness that helps create a non-judgmental mindset. 
• Breathing meditation centers on focusing attention on the breath for calmness and concentration.
• Walking meditation combines mindfulness with walking which promotes awareness in motion. I do this at least once a week using guided walking meditations or listening to meditation music while observing nature.
• Transcendental meditation employs the repetition of a mantra for deep relaxation. There is training for this.
• Vedic meditation draws from ancient Vedic traditions, emphasizing personalized mantras. There is training for this which I did and use this method a few times a week.
• Guided meditation involves following verbal instructions to achieve a specific mental state. Apps come into play here and are a very common form of meditation.
• Chanting meditation utilizes repetitive vocal sounds to enhance focus and tranquility. There are some amazing Dr Wayne Dyer chanting meditations on YouTube.

How to Create a Meditation Practice for Yourself:

The beauty of mediation is there is no one-size-fits-all. There are many ways you can meditate and it is about finding the practice that works best for you.

1. Begin by setting the intention to meditate for a certain amount of time each day. Release judgment; let this be a sanctuary with no right or wrong.
2. Start small with 5 mins a day and work your way up. Try and schedule it for a time in a way that fits into your routine so you can stay consistent.
3. Find a comfortable spot, whether seated or lying down.
4. Connect with your body, sense your breath, and gently guide your focus back when the mind wanders. 
5. Be kind to yourself throughout. Do not judge how it goes, this should be a safe space. There is no right or wrong.

Embracing the Journey:

Acknowledge the wandering mind during meditation as a natural occurrence. Distractions are part of the process. Gently guide awareness back to the breath or focal point without self-judgment. Meditation is a personal journey, and with regular practice, it becomes a sanctuary for mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. Take that first step, explore, and allow meditation to unlock the profound power within.