If I had £1 for every time someone told me they “can’t” meditate I would be rather wealthy by now.
Or that they can’t stop their thoughts, or they tried it but they don’t like it, they can’t sit still, or they just go to sleep. The list goes on…
But I get it.
It’s hard when there’s so much information out there, telling you ‘magic’ techniques, quick tricks, secret tactics – and that the benefits are so great that you need to force yourself to simply get better at it – so much pressure!
But, it’s not about forcing it. It’s about inviting it. Bear with me, because you’ll be glad you did.
With so much scientific evidence available now it is impossible to argue against the numerous benefits of meditation. I could list 100+ (it would take me a while, and you already know the ones that speak to you, that’s why you’re here).
So we can say definitively that multiple benefits exist. Does this help you to be able to actually do it? Unlikely.
People are drawn to meditation for different reasons. Mine was a health crisis. I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and my body and I were not friends!
Meditation dug me out of that pit of despair. It had such a huge impact on me that it’s led to my passion and been the divine source of my mission of getting people on the path to meditation so that they can benefit too.
It’s true, the power of meditation lies in consistency, however, you have to get onto the path first. You can’t just run out into the middle of nowhere and expect miracles. There is direction.
So getting onto the path initially might look like a bit of self-care, some moments of solitude, longing for stillness and peace OR sheer desperation (like mine was). You need a hook. The reason, the inclination, the intuitive yearning. Why not let that determine the first type of meditation you explore and take to – the path of least resistance (initially at least).
After all, what we desire is meant for us.
You likely feel guided towards a particular style. Go with it. Lean into it. Explore and nurture that craving.
After that, you can begin to try different techniques – there’s bound to be one that works for you better than others. One that resonates, that you find easier than others, and that fills you with the something you’ve been wanting.
One size does not fit all, and of course, it takes practice. You don’t go to a gym once and workout thinking you’ll have amazing abs the same day (although we all live in hope). Your brain is the same, it needs regular exercise to change. This is neuroplasticity at work as new neural pathways are established.
You need to know what’s out there, what’s achievable, become more familiar with variety and in a safe, supportive environment.
Once you start feeling more accomplished – you may be ready to move to a different technique. You may even use different techniques at different times, depending on what’s going on in your life, I certainly do.
But the intention here is to simply get onto the path. The journey is ahead, and it’s exciting, but let’s walk first before we set ourselves to sprint!
Did you know different meditation techniques affect different brainwaves and different parts of the brain?! Some can be done with your eyes wide open. You don’t even have to sit cross legged on the floor! Yes, you can meditate and move at the same time (and it’s liberating).
The beauty here is in the invitation and exploration. So ditch what you think you know, unlearn in order to be receptive to really learn.
When we sit to meditate, we’re looking after ourselves in ways that might not at first seem obvious. The benefits are numerous. There’s a lot to be said for stillness and space – expansive space that we can cultivate with practice. The same can be said of other techniques. It’s about discovery.
You may notice benefits ‘off the mat’ rather than in the moment. You may transcend to other worlds. You may find a sense of calm and peace that’s eluded you since you can remember, you might find a clarity of thought that you never dreamed possible. You might just simply feel good in your own body.
So whether you arrive at the starting point to manage stress, reduce anxiety, or just cultivate peace of mind; the ripple effect of a practice will be far more positive in ways you’re perhaps unaware of just yet.
You don’t know what you don’t know. But how exciting it is to be on the path to knowing?!
So take the first step onto the path with me and let’s allow the gamut of emotions and/or feelings come and go as you learn. There is no growth in your comfort zone. Embrace the ebbs and flows.
You’ll be so grateful to yourself when you do.
Take a look at my events page for my next meditation event – I hope to see you there.