Since that epic half marathon of mine earlier this month, I’ve been spending more time out of my running shoes and on my yoga mat. Trying new poses – finally getting into headstand! – as well as focusing on the mental clarity that comes with my practice. Naturally, the practice of mediation always arises with this increase in yogi activities.
Like many, I find meditation to be more difficult than some advanced yoga poses. My brain doesn’t stop – the conversation is always going, never ending. The concept of meditation is the opposite of my status quo. The idea of being able to mediate for more than a minute is incredibly overwhelming.
So imagine my excitement when I discovered this online article from Yoga Journal encouraging meditation in mini time segments – such as just a minute:
Pause for one minute, and focus on your breath, on the way it feels in your body, in your nose. When the thought that it’s fall and you’ll need those bum warmers soon enters your head, gently take your focus back to your breath. Do the same thing with the next 14 thoughts that enter your mind. No resistance at all. Thoughts are simply doing what thoughts do, but my decision for this minute is to return each time to my breath.
I love the emphasis that you can do this practice ANYWHERE: at home, at work, in your car (while not driving!), and so on. As long as you have a quiet, still moment, utilize it for sixty seconds of calm.
You can even practice meditation in a variety of poses: check out Becca’s post today about the variety of seated options you have – I’m a fan of hero’s pose.
The writer of that post notes that “the rest is practice”. I do not know how to relax, to rest, to calm myself. I need help with this. And as I’m all about taking baby steps, this concept of gaining a moment of peace one minute at a time is totally approachable and achievable.
I am committing myself to a minute of meditation every day during the month of October. Let’s call it: “Mission: Stay Sane Cleveland”. If you’d like to join me, together we might find – as the article states – “you may not have found lasting peace, but you have turned yourself in its direction.”
good for you!!! meditation is definitely super challenging – and its so hard to want to just sit still lol. the thing that i found helpful to keep in mind in my meditation practice is that we are not trying to STOP thinking (because that’s just impossible). but to not attach ourselves to our thoughts. every time you notice you are riding a wave of thought just notice, and then come back to your breath. sometimes i like to imagine myself sitting on a super beautiful wonderful chair and just observing the thoughts to by. because my chair is so comfy i dont want to get up and join those thoughts, i take pleasure in just watching them pass. good luck with your mission =) and if you ever need advice/help dont hesitate to ask me KAYY?? xx
I find that focusing on a short mantra sometimes helps to keep my mind in one, focused spot…Brandon likes “let go, let god”. OR, i also like imagining that my breath is a long piece of golden yarn flowing in and out of my nose, and I just watch it go in and out. That sounds kind of gross, but it definitely helps me focus.
I’m going to take on this challenge with you! I can’t wait to hear how it goes
Sign me up! My brain never stops either, but maybe if I try in manageable bits, I can get there.
I really, really like this idea. I’m in.
I need to meditate. You are the second person that I have read (another bloggy friend ALWAYS tells me I need to, may help my running issues!) and you have helped convince me too!
My cousin recommended a really good meditation podcast for me to listen to. Of course, I’ve completely forgotten what it’s called, but if you’re interested, I can find out.
meditation is challenging but so so so rewarding. I often meditate on my lunch break at work. A. it is very refreshing and b. it sorta freaks out coworkers.
double win.
Win I got my tat on the back of my neck I started meditating right before and then she started as I was meditating and I never felt a thing.