Worry disconnects the mind and body. It muddies up the signal between the brain and the body it’s attached to. Meditation can help clear up the muddied waters and get the flow going again. If you’ve wondered if you can meditate, the good news is worry is a form of meditation, so you’ve already been doing it but with the wrong focus!
To meditate is to focus on one thing for a period of time with your full attention. That’s why worry could be considered a form of meditation. Your focus on your worries is, in fact, meditation. How about switching that focus?
Meditation might seem a little woo-woo or odd if it hasn’t been a part of your routine, but it is proven to be a wonderful way to reconnect the mind and body. If you’re new to meditation, here are some tips to get started.
Tip: Don’t make things hard – Meditation is all about relaxing. Don’t make things hard. All you need to begin a meditation practice is a distraction-free space. Focus on comfort. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down, wear comfortable clothing, and aim for a comfortable environment. Over time, with practice, you’ll discover you can meditate anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstance – so hang in there.
Tip: Start small – Meditation is a quality exercise rather than quantity. Being able to focus on your breath and clearing your mind for a matter of minutes is success. Meditation isn’t about chanting for half an hour in a trance-like state. Meditation is slowing down and connecting your mind and body and becoming aware of the two working in unison.
Tip: Don’t judge – There’s no judgment in meditation, only awareness. Observing your thoughts and feelings and noticing them rather than putting judgment on them matters most. Don’t feel you should or should not be doing things in a certain way. Notice how your body feels, when it feels resistant, tired, painful. Begin to pay close attention to those feelings and sort through them.
Tip: Find a routine – Meditation works well when it is integrated into your routine. Try meditating the same time and place until you feel you have a system in place that works well. Ultimately, you can meditate any time you want to slow down, reconnect your mind and body, and refresh yourself.
Tip: Accept the challenge – Your meditation practice should grow. As in all things, the more you meditate, the better you’ll get at it. Keep challenging yourself to go deeper, meditate longer, and build a more meaningful relationship between your mind and body.
Meditation is designed to bring the mind and body back into sync. The art of meditation doesn’t have to be intimidating. Use these tips to begin a simple meditation practice and discover the benefits of a renewed mind and body.