Ciaooo!
I had always planned on writing a post about meditation and I’ve gotten several requests to do so, so here we finally are!
In today’s post, I’m talking about what falls under the definition of “meditation,” how to begin a meditation practice, and suggestions for practice, based on my personal experience and what I’ve found works for me.
Expanding on the definition
I think the word “meditate” can be a little intimidating for those that have not ever meditated or don’t know much about it. It can seem like a daunting task to start this new thing that appears to be a huge commitment in terms of time and effort.
I was listening to a really cool talk about a year ago that shed a lot of light on what the practice can actually mean, and it made a lot of sense to me. Essentially, the speaker of this talk was saying that meditation can be defined as any moment of the day in which you find yourself fully present in the moment and in a clear and peaceful state. He went on to say that if you are truly living moment to moment in peace, there really is no need to have to ever sit down and formally meditate—unless you want to, of course—because you have found a way to be in a consistent “meditation.”
This really struck a cord with me, because I don’t always sit down and dedicate a chunk of time to meditating, but I have certain moments of the day everyday in which I just clear my mind and feel instantly free of worries. It was really nice to realize that these moments too can be considered mini-meditations and I love feeling like I’m working toward staying in a more consistently peaceful state. It’s obviously really difficult to live fully present all the time, but I think it’s a really cool goal to keep in mind.
Starting a practice
I was so tentative to start meditating and procrastinated for so long initially, mostly because I wasn’t sure how to do it. But there is no right or wrong—it’s all for YOU and to make YOU feel better. If that means just sitting for 30 seconds with your eyes closed and listening to music, then that’s your practice. If that means sitting for 30 minutes in dead silence, then that’s your practice.
Your body and mind will tell you what you need and what works best for you, and the only “goal” is to feel even just a little more centered than when you started.
For beginners, I always recommend following some guided meditations, of which there are so many free ones on YouTube if you just poke around. I found them very useful when I was starting out, but I still love them now and find them easier for me to do than sitting in silence. You can find guided meditations that are more general, just for relaxing, and you can find ones more geared toward specific goals.
I really like Doreen Virtue and her guided mediations. You can find some free ones here.
Finding the time
As I was saying in the first section of this post, I find some of the same moments everyday in which to meditate or have my mini-meditations.
It has become an automatic thing for me to do when I first wake up, and when I’m in the shower. I always take a few minutes with my eyes still closed in the morning, before I reach for my phone, to just clear my head in preparation for the day.
My most peaceful moment of the day has to be when I take a shower at night. Something
about the water is instantly calming and my mind is so easily able to just totally empty itself and relax.
I’ve been doing it for so long that it has become an automatic mini-meditation for me, which is so lovely and I now look forward to it. I know I can count on that time to just reset my mind from whatever happened that day or whatever stressful thoughts I’m having and just re-center.
So even if you’re super busy, or nervous to start a practice, know that it doesn’t have to be some huge undertaking. It can be as little as one minute per day in the shower. 🙂 Then if you like it, you can try different things. But even the smallest amount of time can be beneficial, and you can’t know until you try!
I’m curious to know what your experiences with meditation have been and what you guys find works for you! Let me know in the comments when you have a moment, and thank you, as always, for stopping by. <3
A presto,
Amanda
This post was very helpful. I always thought meditation was sitting in a certain position with your eyes closed in silence. I will research some of the YouTube posts. Thank you for this.
Reblogged this on YOLO a cocktail life and commented:
Daily meditation for healthy lifestyle
I love your photography and overall post. I’m gonna repost it 👍🏻😊
Author
Thank you so much, I appreciate it! <3
No problem 🙂
Once again you slayed the post thank you
Author
Thank you!!! 😊
Well done! Thank you! My experience has followed nearly exactly as you described. Tried some guided meditations. Read books and practice. Now I can be present at almost any moment. I’ve even read not to do it for any result, just be with what is there. Ultimately one does experience more peace but I can always improve.
Author
That’s a great point. I probably could have written that instead to be more accurate that there doesn’t need to be any result. 😊
As a meditator I would suggest that people start with 10-15 minutes twice a day as establishing a regular routine helps. If it’s a good meditation you can repeat it later if time allows. If its a bad session then it will end soon. If done genuinely you should initially have tons of garbage arise – all your negative states of mind and emotions. If you haven’t been through this stage then I would regard you as super special as it’s extremely rare to remain in the moment, calm and peaceful until you have dealt with the bulk of your personal rubbish.
Good luck!
Author
Sure, I think everyone has a different experience and just finding a way to be present is a great place to start too.
Amazing post, I’ve only recently got into meditation and the diffeeence I feel it’s made to my life is incredible. I’m definitely more ‘present’ and I can really tell if I’ve not practiced! Definitely a habit I’ve taken up for life!
Author
That’s awesome!! Once you catch that feeling, you can’t stop! ❤
Great post!! I keep meaning to take some time out to meditate, but this post put meditation into focus for me. I like the idea of being able to meditate at anytime as long as you are in the moment and present!
Author
Thank you! 🙂 I definitely don’t think it has to be seen as some big undertaking. Just about finding a way to be present and still 🙂
I recently started to get into meditating before going to bed. I suffer from bad anxiety and it helps me calm myself and centre myself as well. I wanted to try doing it in the mornings to get my day started right. Great post!
Author
That’s so awesome that you’ve found some relief through meditation. Yeah, the morning is always a great time for me 🙂
Reblogged this on Realistic Sustainability, Ltd..
Author
Thank you! 🙂
what a great post. I think you might enjoy these two post on meditation
https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2017/01/22/4727
https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2016/12/13/the-giving-experience-gift-of-meditation
Author
I will check them out, thank you! 🙂
Great post! I started meditating a couple of years ago, but fell out of the habit. I’d really like to try to pick it up again in the new year. The shower mini-meditation is a great idea!
Author
Thank you so much! 🙂 I feel you, I go through phases too of practicing. That’s when mini-meditations come in handy! haha <3
Wonderful article. Thank you for the comprehensive info.
Author
Thank you! <3
Nice post. I used to spend a lot of time in meditation, when I lived by myself. Now I have to steal moments, but I when I’m designing I think I get it in.
I have been doing Tai Chi pretty regularly lately. I almost always play Pi’s Lullaby (From the movie The Life of Pi. It lasts about 5 minutes (same as my Tai Chi 24 routine) and has a calming effect. Started meditating again in between exercise and the Tai Chi. I read out loud and recorded an Anchoring meditation I found in print on the Web. Takes 15 – 20 minutes (20 for me because I read it purposely slow….) Have a 5 minute version by Tara Brach bookmarked on her site: Arriving in Mindful Presence. Thanks for liking my Haiku on Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor!
Author
I did Tai Chi when I was younger! It was awesome and really grounding. Thank you for the meditation, I’m always looking for new ones. 🙂
This is great! Thank you for clarifying lol
Author
🙂 Hope it helped!
After reading 100 different posts on meditation, this one definitely tops them all!
Author
Oh wow that’s so awesome to hear! ❤❤ thank you!!
Meditation – this is what I need – slow down and mute thoughts 🙂 Thank you for this beautiful post 🙂
I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Take care and keep spreading the charm!
https://doracherry.com/2017/03/11/the-versatile-blogger-award-nomination/
Author
Aww thank you so much! <3 I'm glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
“..meditation can be defined as any moment of the day in which you find yourself fully present in the moment and in a clear and peaceful state..” Wow, I never thought of meditation this way, but it makes total sense. I’ve been meditating for about two years – I actually carve out 10-15 minutes every morning to try to be present, though most times I can’t seem to turn my brain off. Thank you for sharing your experience in this post!
Victoria
https://awayweroam.com/
https://chicvic.com/
Author
Hey Victoria! Thank you so much, I’m glad you got something out of my post. I know meditation is different for everyone but I just think it can be so many things 🙂 Awesome that you practice everyday!!
Inspiring article and cool pictures!
Author
Thank you so much! 🙂