Three Things I’ve Learnt About Meditation

THREE THINGS I’VE LEARNT ABOUT MEDITATION

AS SOMEONE WHO THOUGHT THEY COULD NEVER MEDITATE…

LEARNING TO MEDITATE

I first began practicing meditation around 6 years ago now, and at first I really wasn’t sure if it would be for me. I was an extremely anxious person, struggling with panic attacks, feeling burnt out and constantly overthinking - how on earth was I meant to be able to switch off and meditate! I thought no this will not work and I will not be able to meditate.

I tried a few methods out and some didn’t work, but I carried on trying as I knew I wanted to be able to feel calmer, less anxious and reconnect to myself again. After a few months I found a way for it to work for me - I couldn’t believe it! Instead of trying to sit for half an hour to an hour, as that just felt too much for me at the time, I began building up with just a minute, then two minutes, and so on. I also finally realised that it was ‘normal’ to still have thoughts, and it was more about being aware and letting these go. It felt good to have found a meditation style that worked for me. I learnt from some incredible teachers along the way and now find this practice valuable to my everyday wellbeing.

When I was at the height of struggling with my mental health and constantly worrying I realised I wasn’t connected to myself anymore, everything was external. I was looking for answers externally, trying to solve the things I couldn’t from external sources. By sitting with myself and just focusing on my breath for 5 mins a day I was able to listen to myself again, I became aware of what I needed to feel good, shift out thoughts that didn’t matter and things outside of my control, I became aware of my breath and how to manage my anxiety, it helped me connect inwards instead of externally when making decisions.

THESE ARE THE THREE THINGS I’VE LEARNT ABOUT MEDITATION…

Number One - TIME

You do not have to be meditating for an hour, or half an hour every day. Just meditating for 60 seconds, YES just 60 seconds! Still gives you the benefits of this practice. Much easy to fit into our schedules and lives.

Number Two - HOW TO MEDITATE

You don’t have to be sat crossed legged on a mat to meditate. If sitting on a mat to start practicing doesn’t feel right for you, or maybe a little too ‘woo woo’ for you, you can practice a different way. You don’t even have to be sat any certain way at all. You could be standing, walking, sitting or laying down. Meditating is about taking a moment to be aware of your thoughts and body - it’s just about what feels comfortable for you and - that’s how you meditate.

Number Three - CONNECTION

Meditation is all about connecting inwards to your inner self. If you are feeling unsure about a decision, maybe feeling a bit lost, or just overwhelmed with the external pressures of life, meditation gives you the time and space to connect inwards. It helps you to refocus, listen to your mind and body and get to know yourself more on a deeper level.

Learn more

If you would like to learn more about how to connect back to your inner self and start meditating, get in touch today

HELLO@INNERCALMWITHJANE.COM