Meditation means many things to folks and we all have our own perspectives, experiences or thoughts about what meditation is and can wonder if we can do it on a regular basis.
What does the word “Meditation” make you think? How do you feel when you see or hear the word “Meditation” mentioned?
Some of us cringe. Others say, “not for me, thank you.” Still some get a cozy feeling and think, “yes.”
There are misunderstandings about meditation and there are studies to show the value and research has been done that demonstrates the importance of meditation as a practice in our lives. Practice is the keyword.
Meditation is a practice. Those who practice regularly or even attempt to practice regularly can share stories of stopping and starting and coming back to it time and time again. Why? It works, it matters, it makes a difference in their lives.
Meditation is not something we perfect.
We can practice daily and never reach a state of perfection, which is a gift indeed. There is no “end goal” and this can drive some of us nuts. We are often goal-oriented and focused on the end game. Meditation is a part of a lifestyle, a practice, a way of being that impacts the way we see the world and the way we see ourselves too. Meditation can offer us something that nothing else can offer.
What is that “something” and how do I get it?
Well, that is the thing. That “something” may be different for each of us. That “something” may change in time too, depending on where we are in our lives. That is another part of the magic of meditation. Meditation can meet us where we are and take us where we want to go. Meditation can bring us to a place of peace and can offer us a sense of calm when we are able to practice. Meditation is not demanding.
The “rules” are not what some of us expect. In fact, there are no rules. There are suggestions. There are lessons to be learned from other people’s experiences and our own. There are some basic guidelines. There is a lot of freedom, and the boundaries are simple: set aside time and just do it. Set aside time each day, even one minute, and just do it. Do it your way. Sit. Kneel on a bench. Walk. Breathe. In. Out. Breathe. In. Out. Feel the air. Breather. In. Out. Breathe.
Focus on that breath if you can. If not, just breathe. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. Do you feel the breath? If not, it is okay, just know you are breathing. In. Out. In. Out. Perhaps you can feel your body move as you breathe in, hands on your tummy may help. Deeply breathe in and let your belly out (feels awkward for some of us at first). Now, let all the air go slowly. In. Out. In. Out.
Some of us can only go one minute, then two, then three. Stay there a bit. When you are ready to stretch, go for another minute, then a few more. In time, you will notice it is not so bad. We can grow into meditation practice and look forward to our time. We can grow into our practice and crave it too. Why? Somewhere inside, some “thing” in us, knows this is good and right for us. Meditation fuels a part of us that nothing else can.
There are countless books and lessons on meditation to explore. People of many faiths teach their beliefs about why, and how meditation works. This is personal for each of us, yet it is universal too. Meditation works. Meditation is used in hospitals, schools, churches, and community groups online and in person. Meditation is not a fad. It is not new. Meditation is a gift we give ourselves, and the results are seen in our lives in time, like a rippling effect, as we practice regularly, as we can.
Meditation is worth the time, energy, discipline, and everything it takes for us to practice. For some of us, it is the hardest thing to do because we have attention difficulties, and we may not like to be still or quiet. We may have trauma backgrounds that will not allow us to “just go meditate.” We may need baby steps. We may need to work with a therapist to find the reasons for our discomfort and find the healing of wounds and scars that may be hidden in our life before we can meditate.
There is no judgment. Meditation can have all the research, all the facts that say this is wonderful, but if the time is not right for us now, then the time is not right. That is it. We can still seek to understand and learn about meditation by exploring and if we want to add this to our life, in time, we will probably be able to do so, but at the right time. We cannot force these things. We can want it and not be able to do it yet. This is okay, we need to honor and respect where we are now. No condemnation or judgment will make it better. Sometimes inner work needs to occur first. Be kind to yourself. Listen to your heart. Allow yourself to be where you are and get a healing hand. We all need a helping hand at times, sometimes we need a healing hand too. Sure, you want to be “strong” and may think you need to “just get over it” but that is not so easy at times. Sometimes being “strong” means letting someone help you go within and see, heal, be and become who you are and may not even know at this time.
Meditation can be a wonderful thing to practice. Meditation can help with healing, developing peace and calm in your life and can be a beautiful gift to yourself. BUT only when the time is right. There are no perfect timelines in life. We are individuals, with unique stories. We each grow, develop, and do so on our timelines.
Meditation can help meet the needs in our lives too. Mediation can be a source of power for some. Meditation can allow us to learn to love and accept ourselves so that we can learn to accept and love others in ways that will benefit all involved. We may find a sense of belonging as we explore mediation practices and possibly join a group or even feel more connected to nature and the world. We can find freedom in our lives from meditation over time too. The freedom to become who we are and may have forgotten is a wonderful type of freedom. Perhaps we need to learn to set boundaries in our life. Meditation practice may provide insights and the ability to set healthy boundaries in time. Meditation matters in the lives of many people, but only at the right time.
Remember, we can explore and not engage. We can learn and wait till the time is good for us. Keep your heart and mind safe. Reach out to a trained professional if you are unsure if the time is right for you and if meditation causes you any fear, angst, discomfort, or uneasiness, or if there are any fearful, negative, or uneasy parts to meditation for you at this time.
This is your journey, your life. Honor yourself. Respect your needs. Be where you are now. Know that we are all, on a path of “Being and Becoming” and can embrace and enjoy our journey. Thank you for sharing a piece of my journey reading this blog. May you find what you are seeking and live in peace.
Please note:
All of our blogs are intended for educational purposes only. These are not intended as “advice” or any form of therapeutic intervention. Please contact your doctor, or local mental health office for help with individual problems or concerns. You may also call 988 to speak with a person about self-harm thoughts.
You matter. Help and hope are there for you.
