It is interesting how much time we spend thinking about and addressing work, chores, the people in our lives, and the things we need to do. But many of us experience a challenge when it comes to self-nurturing.
One of the best things we can do to care for ourselves, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually is to meditate. But often cultivating this practice is very difficult. There are many, many, many ways to meditate, and the ultimate goal of meditation is to make one's entire life a meditation; a continuous practice of mindfulness, peaceful presence, directed focused attention with a calm, fully aware mind.
Often, I suggest that if people are having difficulty getting into a sitting meditation practice that they turn to some other meditation; walking meditations, tree meditations, Tai Chi or Qi Gong, chanting, repeating a mantra, or breath work, among others. Even weight lifting is an excellent mediation practice, one that grounds you, while clearing, repairing and strengthening your energy field.
However, there are unique and powerful benefits gained from a sitting meditation practice, so at a certain point, for anyone on a path of self-development, healing, spiritual growth and personal empowerment, at a certain point, I believe, one just has to sit!
When I began my meditation practice many, many years ago, my shaman told me to meditate for 10 minutes every day. I did this for nearly six months. I found it excruciating, even though it was only ten minutes! And I felt I was getting nowhere. Then one day, I decided to sit for 45 minutes. And I finally understood what meditation is!
For me, the first 10 minutes, even today after years of mediation, is often filled with the cacophony of mental chaos. Sometimes it takes a while for me to quiet, to soften, to still myself. When I finally embarked upon a longer meditation, I was giving myself the time I need to finally achieve an internal stillness of enough depth to allow true connection to reveal itself, and the rush of joy and peace to follow.
So, I strongly suggest you begin with 10 minutes a day. It is a good practice, a good exercise and an excellent discipline no matter whether or not you are “doing it right” or achieving any profound experiences or not. Sit for 10 minutes a day, but then just as you do when working any other muscles, develop your spiritual muscles by working your way up. Sit for 13, then 15, then 20, and then 45 minutes or even an hour. (And always use a timer or set an alarm!) You can still return to shorter meditations on a daily basis, but periodically push yourself.
You might find it opens you to the true power of meditation.
Want to read another great blog article about meditation? Check out Joanna Goddard’s Weekly Challenge post in her excellent blog A Cup of Jo.
Please share your meditation experiences, whether you are a seasoned meditator or this blog post spurs you to sit!
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