**Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to support the content on this website and allows me to continue providing valuable information to readers. Thank you for your support. Please be assured that I only recommend products or services that I believe are of high quality and will be beneficial to my readers. I carefully select and review all affiliates to ensure that they align with my values and standards.
“You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day – unless you’re too busy; then you should sit for an hour.” – Zen Proverb
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
There are many different types of meditation, but most involve the following elements:
A quiet location with minimal distractions
A comfortable posture, such as sitting or lying down
A focus of attention, such as your breath, a mantra, or an object
An open and receptive attitude
Some people meditate to improve their overall well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, increase concentration, and cultivate feelings of compassion and kindness. Others may meditate as part of a spiritual or religious tradition.
However, if you are anything like me, you likely have said one or more of these excuses when it comes to meditation:
"I don't have enough time."
"I can't sit still for that long."
"I don't know how to do it."
"I can't clear my mind."
"I don't see the point."
It's understandable that life can be busy and it can be difficult to find time to meditate. I, too, was like you in believing that I would start once I had enough time, the perfect circumstances, and once life slowed down. However that day never comes. And taking the time to meditate while life is hectic is actually exactly what we need.
Even a few minutes of meditation can be beneficial, and there are many ways to fit meditation into your daily routine. For example, you can try meditating first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. All you need is 2 minutes and a dedication to making meditation a priority.
If you struggle with sitting still, you can try a more active form of meditation, such as walking meditation or yoga. And if you're unsure of how to meditate, there are many resources available to help you get started, including books, guided meditation recordings (like this one I made), and meditation apps (we love Insight Timer).
As for clearing your mind, it's important to remember that it's normal to have a busy or restless mind, and it's okay if you find it difficult to focus at first. With regular practice, you will likely find it easier to quiet your mind and maintain focus.
Finally, if you don't see the point of meditation, it may be helpful to consider the potential benefits that it can offer, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, increasing concentration, and cultivating feelings of compassion and kindness. There is also a growing body of research suggesting that meditation can have positive effects on physical health, such as reducing blood pressure and inflammation.
It's important to remember that meditation is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. It's normal to have a busy or restless mind, and it's okay if you find it difficult to focus at first. With regular practice, you will likely find it easier to quiet your mind and maintain focus. Overall, meditation is a simple and effective practice that can help you reduce stress, improve your mental and emotional well-being, and find greater peace and clarity in your life.
Have questions about meditation? Ask us in the comments below!
Comments