There are so many reasons and ways to meditate that it can at first seem daunting, but the benefits of sustained practice are worth the effort.
I’ve been practising meditation for a few years now. At first it was a private thing. Nobody I knew meditated and I often worried about what other people would think, imagining they might regard me as quirky or weird.
But any potential embarrassment paled into insignificance compared to my overactive mind that refused to be stilled. I was stressed at work and my mind was on constant overdrive in a state of anxiety, worrying about the smallest things that may or may not happen. It was also holding on to stories of the past, replaying them to justify the way I felt in that moment.
I was operating on automatic pilot and wished I could take a holiday from my mind and its overthinking. It would wake me up in the middle of the night still worrying and playing movies of the past. The whole experience was exhausting.
I felt lonely. Guzzling wine at the weekends was my only escape from the life I was leading and my mind that would never rest. Until, of course, I burnt out.
Since then a simple, sustainable meditation practice has honestly changed my life and I truly believe anyone can benefit from it.
I don’t see meditation as the answer or a fix but instead a vehicle to slow down and check in with myself. In this space I know and understand myself better and can make choices that are more aligned to what serves me best. It has ultimately led me to creating a life I love.
But meditation can be daunting and confusing to new practitioners. In this instance, it can be helpful to break it down and view it afresh to help you on your way to a quieter mind.
FIVE TIPS FOR NEW MEDITATORS
THERE IS NO ONE WAY
There are many approaches, theories and philosophies when it comes to meditation. At the start, these can seem overwhelming. If you have already tried meditation and found it difficult, it is important to know that this is completely normal and to be expected. People are complex creatures. But rather than give up before you have begun, instead explore different types of meditation as a way to get to know yourself a little better. What works for one person may not work for another. Try movement meditations such as yoga, t’ai chi, breathing techniques (pranayama), or explore different guided meditations online or in a class. They are all equally valid and effective.
THOUGHTS ARE COMPLETELY NORMAL
We live busy, complicated lives that involve attending to myriad tasks, solving problems and looking after family members. So when you sit down to meditate, especially for the first time, do not be surprised when your mind wanders almost immediately. The art of meditation is noticing when your mind has taken a different direction and to bring it back to your original focus.
YOU CANNOT DO IT WRONG
See your meditation practice as time and space just for you. In the moments of quiet, you are free of life’s complications and challenges. You can let go of the roles and responsibilities with which you identify yourself. You will most likely have meditated naturally in everyday life at times but might not realise you were doing it. Unless you are following a structured path or approach to meditation, I believe you cannot ever do it wrong. You have to start somewhere – if that is just a few seconds of quiet, a feeling of deep relaxation, being free of distractions or a calming of thought you are meditating.
IT TAKES PATIENT PRACTISE
Western science now proves what Eastern philosophies have taught for centuries – taking time each day to sit quietly, simply breathe, listen to your surroundings and your heart, and quieten your mind has enormous physiological and psychological benefits and can lead to a heightened sense of general wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced society taking time to be still is more important than ever. We remember to look after our bodies, other people, even our homes but often forget to look after our minds. The long-term benefits of meditation do not happen overnight, so be patient. Science and any long-term meditator will tell you it is worth it.
IT IS FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE
You do not need to believe a certain thing, dress a certain way or have a certain outlook on life to benefit from meditation. Whether you are a chief executive trying to manage the pressures of running a company or a busy parent seeking to handle family challenges (or both) meditation is for you. Similarly, it does not matter if you are simply looking for a way to balance your emotions or you are a spiritual person hoping to deepen your connection to that which is greater than us… all are welcome. See meditation as yours – your mind, your meditation. Whether that is being more mindful in everyday life, carving out a few minutes each day to simply breathe with more awareness or a more formal practice, it is for you.
