For the past few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about meditation and starting my own practice (key word – thinking). Increasing my concentration and focus and quieting my mind are just a couple of reasons why I wanted to get my Zen on.
Two weeks ago I had a wonderful conversation with someone that pushed me to action. This person is a consultant working with our team in London, and luckily, I had the opportunity to work with her a little bit as well. During this particular conversation, we got a little off topic and started talking about yoga, meditation, the Universe, and life in general.
Since my new friend is very knowledgeable and passionate about these things, I took the opportunity to ask her a few questions about meditation. I wanted to know how how I could start meditating and unwinding at the end of the day without feeling defeated because my mind won’t “shut up.” She started laughing and said she knew exactly what I was talking about and then offered some ideas. And that, my friends, is how Parita’s meditation practice was born!
Let me start off by saying that this is one of those things that is 100% based on the individual. What works for me won’t necessarily work for the next person. Second, I’ve come to realize that meditation isn’t an overnight phenomenon. It takes time – weeks, months, maybe even years – to really get the hang of quieting the mind.
With that being said, here’s what works for me…
First, I find a quiet place. For me, this is a corner of our bedroom that isn’t cluttered. Next, I make this an inviting space by turning off the lights and lighting a candle. Then I get in a comfortable position, which is usually sitting Indian style. Finally, I close my eyes and visualize (this takes a bit of work) myself in my happy place – sitting on the beach, a little past where the water meets the sand. For the first few minutes, I try my best to “feel” the sand/water/sun and “hear” the water/breeze. In order to stay in my happy place, I acknowledge random thoughts that float into my head but release them as quickly as possible. After about 10-15 minutes, I get up and go straight to bed. Best bedtime routine ever!
I know this isn’t real, disciplined meditation, but I think it’s a good first step. And my practice makes me happy…and puts me to sleep very quickly! But in all seriousness, after just a couple of weeks, this little routine has made a tremendous impact on my state of being. I feel a bit more centered and focused and also able to let things go more easily. And I’m sure that with time, it’s only going to get better!
Do you meditate? How do you quiet your mind?
IHeartVegetables says
April 24, 2013 at 6:46 amI’m excited for you! It’s good you’re finding something that works! I try to take some quiet time in the morning (seems to be the only time when I’m not racing around!) and it really is nice starting the day off peaceful!
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:12 pmI love to take a few minutes in the morning to just breathe and clear my head – before I start rushing around!
Aparna B. says
April 24, 2013 at 7:47 amI am so happy and excited for you!! I don’t do ‘official’ meditation but I do have a few minutes on my own in the morning before REB and I get ready for work where I just stop, take deep breaths and clear my mind. It doesn’t always work and make me stress-free all day, but sometimes it’s just what I need! My dentist is also teaching a meditation class on the side and I think I’m going to check it out one day soon! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:10 pmBelly breathes are great. I do them every few hours at work. 🙂
Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani) says
April 24, 2013 at 9:02 amTHis post couldn’t have come at a better time! I haven’t been sleeping well at all lately- tossing and turning or waking up at absurdly early hours. Initially I blamed it on too much caffeine but I think my mind is just in overdrive with feeling overwhelmed with what I need to get done. Like you said meditation takes a while before the effects kick in but it’s definitely worth trying tonight…hopefully it helps even a little bit!
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:11 pmI think this kind of meditation may help you. It leaves you feeling light and calm. Let me know if it works!
Lakshmi says
April 24, 2013 at 10:47 amAwesome!
I took a class in meditation (this one – http://www.artofliving.org/us-en/art-meditation-sahaj-samadhi) more than eight years ago and have been practising daily. It is the sweetest thing I have done for myself. The practice has enriched my life and deepened my sense of perception of myself and the world. Oh, meditation is a blessing, such an endless blessing.
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:11 pmThat’s the perfect way to describe it – “an endless blessing.” Love that!
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
April 24, 2013 at 11:15 amI try something very similar and its very difficult, esp for an extremely impatient, worry-wart like me. I like to meditate in the morning, preferably in open space, fresh air and some soothing music in the background, of course seated Indian style. I try to imagine a focus point or my happy place and concentrate without diverting my mind (which is the hardest part).
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:12 pmI wish I could sit outside with some music – that would be ideal!
Kacy says
April 24, 2013 at 11:54 amI imagine myself on a beach when I try to meditate too. Love it! I don’t have a disciplined meditation practice, but I would like to try it.
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:14 pmLet me know if you try it out and like it. This may be the perfect thing to start doing before your big day!! I really wish I had tried it before mine. 🙂
Honey What's Cooking says
April 24, 2013 at 3:22 pmI’m gonna try meditation. I have issues focusing sometimes. I have so many thoughts. I saw Deepak Chopra on one of those shows, maybe Dr. Oz, and what he said really worked for me. I need to keep doing it, just 5 mins a day can give you amazing results.
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:15 pmI feel like I have a hard time focusing as well! It’s amazing what a few minutes of just letting go and being will do!
Lawyer Loves Lunch says
April 24, 2013 at 3:23 pmThis is awesome! I have a really difficult time slowing down and have never been able to do yoga as a result. I hope you provide updates on how your meditation is going because it’s definitely something I’d like to take up.
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:15 pmI will definitely share more as I go along on this journey!
Manisha at Hokie, Esq. says
April 25, 2013 at 9:43 amThis sounds great! I will definitely have to try this before bed because my mind is always going a mile a minute!, especially at the end of the day too! I always have trouble slowing down and never could get into yoga/pilates/etc but I might have to give meditation a try!
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:16 pmSometimes I belly breathe as I’m lying in bed and that helps too! Even that helps calm my crazy mind and puts me to sleep. Love it!
kum says
April 25, 2013 at 5:19 pmMeditating is so good…
Thanks for the meditating tips.
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Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:16 pmYou’re welcome! Glad you liked them!
Lisa C. says
April 25, 2013 at 9:11 pmGreat post!
Although it’s different from meditation, it is similar in a way: self hypnosis. I used it for giving birth naturally to my 3rd and 4th children and it was amazing! I always practiced before bed and it helped me fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly.
Parita says
April 25, 2013 at 10:17 pmI’ve never tried that! How does it work??