The story
Back in 2014 I got introduced to meditation by a co-worker. She invited me to meditate with her to an audio by Deepak Chopra. During this time, I was feeling a bit lost with life and the anxiety was building up. As you can imagine, doing a meditation challenge of 21 days seem like a great idea to ease my mind. I thought “If you are stuck with old healing patterns, why not try something new?” So I did.
We did around 15 minutes of meditation or something like that… I was a bit distracted and my mind was very active. I thought “man, this is difficult!”, a normal reaction to a newbie. However, as a beginner and observant being, I realized that my thoughts were very influential to my state of being. At the same time, I noticed that my thoughts can be like a racing cars. All of them going fast at the same time and trying to get my attention. Anyone can relate? I know you can.
Since that time, I have been on and off with my meditation practice because forming a new habit is not that easy. Despite that, 6 years later and a different scenario, I decided to really commit to it. I started another challenge, also by Deepak Chopra. This one was about abundance. After my 21 days, I felt an incredible sense of peace and awareness of my thoughts. I felt more relax and more loving and kind to myself. So, I continued on my own, which I thought was the difficult part, but it’s not.
The process
Every morning after I wake up, I lay back on bed. I open my Insight Timer Meditation App and pick one meditation that resonates to me. There’s all kinds: sounds, guided, breath-work and so on. Also, there’s an array of topics: anxiety, lost, abundance, love, strength, sleep and the list goes on. I spend around 10 to up to 45 minutes meditating each morning.
I have noticed that usually my days go by easier. My stress levels are low and my mind is clearer. I normally feel inspired and my body feels good. I’m more aware of my thoughts and my surroundings and I believe I’m more of a joy to be around.
I would say most practitioners have the similar experience. If you don’t practice, I suggest to be open about it. Meditation has so many benefits for your well-being. You don’t have to be spiritual at all, which is a big misconception. The origins of meditation, although center in the Asian traditions, are center by looking at meditation like a sport, a way of living. A part of your life, like drinking water or brushing your teeth.
By looking at meditation that way, we are encourage to try this method to have a better quality of life. If sitting down and breathing is not your thing, try something different. I know some people meditate by having a mindful walk on their neighborhood. Others do so by journaling, cooking and gardening. It’s your pick!
Time to celebrate!
As for me, this week marks my 60 days of continuous meditation! This is one of my personal goals this year and even if some of my other goals are not being fulfill, due to the crisis we are living, I’m really happy this one is! We should celebrate every tiny victory in our lives and this one is a good one for me.
I enjoy going into a meditation that guides me a bit through the state of mind I want to reach. Also, until I get more adjusted to this new habit on my life. My next goal is 120 days of continuous meditation and I can’t wait to see my progress and tell you about it.
Science and practitioners said the more you meditate, the more benefits you will encounter. No idea what awaits, but I will try to find out~What about you? Ready to dive in or already doing so? Hope this new way of living shines your live with many blessings.
Wish you a lovely day!
xoxo,
Cristina
Topics related and worth a read:
Meditate to release all your tensions
7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Meditation, According to Experts
The History and Origin of Meditation
