You can't deny the calming effects of meditation. But I've learned from my students, it's not always easy to unplug. Some excuses I hear are; I don't have time! I can't turn my brain off. Or I'm too impatient to sit still. And I tried it, but it didn't work.
Meditation, if done right, only takes ten minutes of your day. I looked at some studies and found that the shortest period of time proven to significantly benefit well-being was 10 minutes. That's all! Make it a part of your morning routine (like brushing your teeth, or taking your vitamins). You'll start the day feeling refreshed and calm, and you'll feel better rather than falling victim to the stress that comes with obligations such as meetings, errands and social outings that arise throughout the day. Instead, you'll feel more grounded and present. Like nothing and no one can bother you.
If you have trouble turning your brain off, don't try! That is actually not the goal of meditation. When you begin to meditate just observe your thoughts and acknowledge them. Don't immediately assume that your thoughts will stop and your mind will grow quiet. Expecting too much will cause you to give up or get stuck on trying to stop thinking. They key is don't resist and thoughts or feelings like worry or anxiousness. Resisting only fuels the emotions. Allow your thoughts to come and go naturally like waves. This way, they will wash over you and eventually disappear.
If you find yourself too impatient to sit still, impatience arises out of boredom. You may thinking about getting somewhere or achieving something rather than just letting yourself be. Let go of the past and the future! Meditation is about living in the present moment. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is just to be present. By bringing the mind to the here and now and simply experiencing life as it happens, moment by moment, you'll find there is no room for impatience.
If you tried it, but it didn't work, then you are looking for results. You need to take the time to pause and appreciate the ability to sit and be still. There is a tendency in life to take things for granted. We know we should be more grateful for things, but that is not always our everyday experience. Being Grateful is a daily practice. When you can remove yourself from your day to day worries, a genuine appreciation of things you have in your life-the people, the relationships-you will come to a place of gratitude and true contentment. That is what ultimately leads to peace of mind.
*Remember, if you've ever been in one of my yoga classes you've probably heard me say, "There are no problems in the present moment, there is only the moment".
Peace~Andrea
