I actually meditate best when I’m taking a walk! Sometimes even when you do chores you meditate. I find that works best for me than the traditional ways but this is a great step-by-step piece.
Thank you for this, Jen! I've been "meditating" through writing and doing Diamond Art, but my guides told me (just last night) that actual meditation is the next step for me. Akin to "taking the training wheels off." Then I find your post today without actually looking for it. Message received. 😆 Thank you, again!
Even on the days where you feel like your thoughts are going a million miles a minute, it can still be a quality session. It may not feel like it, it may feel like it’s doing nothing.
Stick with it.
Notice the thoughts and keep practicing bringing yourself back to your breath each time you become aware you’re on a thought trail. Each day will feel different.
Sounds like you are already halfway to meditation Jen! A session consists of noticing when your mind wanders, and returning to an anchor such as your breath. You may have to do this a hundred times in one session.
Noticing the thoughts.
Returning to the breath.
Noticing the thoughts, without judgement.
Returning to the breath.
Over time, you train your brain to be less distracted. The space between your thoughts slowly increase.
Love this Jen... there's so many misconceptions about meditation. I actually never meditate while sitting down in the traditional way, my form of meditation has been with a certain type of music on and automatic journaling! I used to run around and tell everyone "I can't meditate", then one conversation with a friend I was telling him all the stuff I've been through lately and I said that phrase and he goes ... "well, it sounds like you are meditating". Then it hit me. He's a dude that meditates 2 hours per day from 5am too, so I was honoured haha.
I found guided meditation very helpful to stop the torrent of thoughts. It helps me fall asleep. Another way to meditate for me is to listen to a relaxing music and think good thoughts to myself or connect with my inner child.
Guided meditations are a great tool to get started with a practice, as you are learning you can rest your mind knowing that you simply need to follow the words. Insight Timer is my favorite app for this. Thank you Sylwia 💗
Hi Georgia, Great question! You’re right, your breath is a perfect example of an anchor during meditation. It could be a focus specifically on the inhale/exhale or the space between. Each time you have a thought, you simply return back to the anchor - your breath. Over and over. Another example of an anchor could be a word or mantra. I will delve into this in more detail in part 2 🙏
Loved reading this. Coincidentally, I opened your email right after watching a documentary called Heal. They also talked a lot about the same points you've mentioned here. I love meditation even if I'm not sure I'm doing it right or if it's working. I like to think it is!
Love the synchronicity Kristi ✨ that’s exactly it. There is so much hype around meditation, but it’s a more of gradual, subtle shift.
Most of the time the experience is uneventful, no different than say, brushing your teeth. Over time, the practice begins to show benefits in your outside life.
One thing I love about meditation is that there’s science that proves it changes the structure of our brain. 🧠
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I fell under most all the misconceptions. Thank you for addressing them as it cleared the path to the idea of meditation. I cannot wait for the next part.
Thanks for reading Ami! This is my favorite part about teaching meditation, demystifying what it is and making it accessible to everyone. If I can do it, you certainly can too 💗
I actually meditate best when I’m taking a walk! Sometimes even when you do chores you meditate. I find that works best for me than the traditional ways but this is a great step-by-step piece.
Same. I try to be super mindful of my breathing and gratitude while I'm out walking.
Thank you for this, Jen! I've been "meditating" through writing and doing Diamond Art, but my guides told me (just last night) that actual meditation is the next step for me. Akin to "taking the training wheels off." Then I find your post today without actually looking for it. Message received. 😆 Thank you, again!
Incredible Dawna ✨ love the inspired action you’ve received 🙌 thank you for reading!
Finding a way that works best for you is ideal, there are so many different styles of meditation to practice 🙏
You made it so easy 😎
🙌 that was exactly my intention with this pub, thank you for the feedback!
You're welcome 🎉 Jen
I started meditating few years back (using Calm) to help with my panic syndrome. And It has! Big time!
And sure it took its time because of my ADHD, brain always at 200km/h.
But it works! Sure some days is harder than others. Even those days something good came out of it. 😊
Yes, love your mindset around this.
Even on the days where you feel like your thoughts are going a million miles a minute, it can still be a quality session. It may not feel like it, it may feel like it’s doing nothing.
Stick with it.
Notice the thoughts and keep practicing bringing yourself back to your breath each time you become aware you’re on a thought trail. Each day will feel different.
🙏🙏
Learning this today is really nice. I will learn to meditate more. Thanks Jen!
You are so very welcome 🙏
I need this! I am always distracted and my mind wanders.
Sounds like you are already halfway to meditation Jen! A session consists of noticing when your mind wanders, and returning to an anchor such as your breath. You may have to do this a hundred times in one session.
Noticing the thoughts.
Returning to the breath.
Noticing the thoughts, without judgement.
Returning to the breath.
Over time, you train your brain to be less distracted. The space between your thoughts slowly increase.
🙏
Love this Jen... there's so many misconceptions about meditation. I actually never meditate while sitting down in the traditional way, my form of meditation has been with a certain type of music on and automatic journaling! I used to run around and tell everyone "I can't meditate", then one conversation with a friend I was telling him all the stuff I've been through lately and I said that phrase and he goes ... "well, it sounds like you are meditating". Then it hit me. He's a dude that meditates 2 hours per day from 5am too, so I was honoured haha.
I love this story you shared Roc, and I’m certain so many people can relate to this.
“I can’t meditate” - Traditional is one form of meditation but there are so many different styles to explore.
It sounds like you have found forms of meditation that work to bring yourself to a flow state and help you connect inward!
✨✨
I found guided meditation very helpful to stop the torrent of thoughts. It helps me fall asleep. Another way to meditate for me is to listen to a relaxing music and think good thoughts to myself or connect with my inner child.
Guided meditations are a great tool to get started with a practice, as you are learning you can rest your mind knowing that you simply need to follow the words. Insight Timer is my favorite app for this. Thank you Sylwia 💗
Thank you for recommending the app; I've used YT so far but the app is much more practical.
And the free version of Insight Timer is really good!
These myth busters are so soothing Jen! Looking forward to more ♥️
Thank you for reading Danusia 🫶
Hi Jen
would you say returning to your breathing is an anchor point , or should I be looking for a likely one in my life somewhere?
Hi Georgia, Great question! You’re right, your breath is a perfect example of an anchor during meditation. It could be a focus specifically on the inhale/exhale or the space between. Each time you have a thought, you simply return back to the anchor - your breath. Over and over. Another example of an anchor could be a word or mantra. I will delve into this in more detail in part 2 🙏
Loved reading this. Coincidentally, I opened your email right after watching a documentary called Heal. They also talked a lot about the same points you've mentioned here. I love meditation even if I'm not sure I'm doing it right or if it's working. I like to think it is!
Love the synchronicity Kristi ✨ that’s exactly it. There is so much hype around meditation, but it’s a more of gradual, subtle shift.
Most of the time the experience is uneventful, no different than say, brushing your teeth. Over time, the practice begins to show benefits in your outside life.
One thing I love about meditation is that there’s science that proves it changes the structure of our brain. 🧠
Looking forward to Part 2!
🙏🙏🙏
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I fell under most all the misconceptions. Thank you for addressing them as it cleared the path to the idea of meditation. I cannot wait for the next part.
Thanks for reading Ami! This is my favorite part about teaching meditation, demystifying what it is and making it accessible to everyone. If I can do it, you certainly can too 💗