I know firsthand how meditation can change lives. Although I began meditation as a way to get off anxiety medication (which it allowed me to do), just as importantly it improved my relationship with everyone in my life and allowed me to be more accepting of whatever life gives. This can take some time, as it did for me. (Know that I am NOT advocating that anyone stop taking medication….I’m simply sharing MY story.)
My first and significant realization, was not how many thoughts I had, because I did and still do have many, but it was more that they came and went so quickly. Usually. But it was an ah ha experience for me when I began to investigate the “realness” of my thoughts. I often share with others how little of my thoughts I believe these days because they are usually negative about myself or others and simply not true. I would sometimes ask others about my mental conclusions and was able to see that very often other’s interpretations and intentions were not at all what I was perceiving of them. I started realizing that situations and people are often different than what I think in my head. It’s interesting how much better I like other people now and how much more I think they like me.
So, I would like to challenge YOU! Try this very simple, five minute meditation for 30 days straight. Experience the change(s) it creates in your life…….and message me about it at the end, if you’d like.
Set your timer for 5 minutes. Just guess at the other times. It really doesn’t matter because it’s an experiment, not a scientific study. Relax.
Step 1
Get in position by sitting on the edge of a chair, bed or couch.
Your feet flat on the floor, hands on your thighs and back straight looking at the ground about three feet in front of you.
Step 2
For the first minute, just breathe and feel yourself in your body.
You have a body, not just a mind.
Step 3
For the next two minutes breathe in your nose and out through pursed lips (like you are breathing through a straw).
Count your “in” and “out” breaths.
Make your “out” breaths 2 or 3 counts longer than your “in” breaths.
Step 4
For the last two minutes, just breathe normally, but pay attention to breathing in and out.
When you think (and you will) just say to yourself, “There’s a thought” and return your attention back to your breathing.
Do not worry about doing it right or how you should feel or anything. Seriously. The best advice I can give you is:
Be open and curious, not judgmental or rigid.
Do it every single day, even if your tired, sick, heart-broken, angry, whatever. It’s only 5 minutes, DO IT.