My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Restaurants
  • Recipes
  • Par’s Picks
  • Privacy Policy

My Meditation Practice

written by Parita 22 Comments

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!

Venice 026

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?

Related Posts

  • Mindful Meditation Mama – Tejal V. PatelMindful Meditation Mama – Tejal V. Patel
  • 5 Ways to De-Stress5 Ways to De-Stress
  • This Week’s Meal Plan + Recent Favs from Trader Joe’sThis Week’s Meal Plan + Recent Favs from Trader Joe’s
  • The Adventure Continues!The Adventure Continues!
  • Life is…Life is…

Written on April 24, 2013 Related:Inspirational, Self

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. IHeartVegetables says

    April 24, 2013 at 6:46 am

    I’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!

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:12 pm

      I love to take a few minutes in the morning to just breathe and clear my head – before I start rushing around!

      Reply
  2. Aparna B. says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:47 am

    I 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! 🙂

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:10 pm

      Belly breathes are great. I do them every few hours at work. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani) says

    April 24, 2013 at 9:02 am

    THis 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!

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      I think this kind of meditation may help you. It leaves you feeling light and calm. Let me know if it works!

      Reply
  4. Lakshmi says

    April 24, 2013 at 10:47 am

    Awesome!

    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.

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      That’s the perfect way to describe it – “an endless blessing.” Love that!

      Reply
  5. dixya@food, pleasure, and health says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:15 am

    I 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).

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:12 pm

      I wish I could sit outside with some music – that would be ideal!

      Reply
  6. Kacy says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:54 am

    I 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.

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:14 pm

      Let 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. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Honey What's Cooking says

    April 24, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    I’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.

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:15 pm

      I 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!

      Reply
  8. Lawyer Loves Lunch says

    April 24, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    This 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.

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:15 pm

      I will definitely share more as I go along on this journey!

      Reply
  9. Manisha at Hokie, Esq. says

    April 25, 2013 at 9:43 am

    This 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!

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Sometimes 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!

      Reply
  10. kum says

    April 25, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Meditating is so good…

    Thanks for the meditating tips.

    blog : global vegan fare

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      You’re welcome! Glad you liked them!

      Reply
  11. Lisa C. says

    April 25, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    Great 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.

    Reply
    • Parita says

      April 25, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      I’ve never tried that! How does it work??

      Reply
Welcome to My Inner Shakti! This is my little corner of the internet where I explore and share more about the things that give me my inner strength. I hope you stick around! Read More Here...

MIS gives back!

All advertising proceeds from this blog will be donated to a different charity every month!

Subscribe to MIS

Sign up now to receive all the latest from My Inner Shakti straight to your inbox!

Follow me on Feedly!

follow us in feedly

LOVE my blog!

Follow on Bloglovin

Web Hosting

categories

Archives

Top Posts!

  • My Experience with Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Homemade Wax Recipe
  • Acne Update: Jojoba Oil + Tea Tree Oil
  • Marriage Advice for My Little Sister
  • Drunk Elephant Daytime and Nighttime Skincare Routines
  • How to Crisp Up a Tortilla
  • Our Indian Baby Shower!
  • An Honest Review of “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”
  • Instant Pot Veggie Sausage Pasta
  • Brunch with a Side of Incredible Service at Farmhouse | Chicago

Follow me on Instagram!

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username
Copyright ©2021, My Inner Shakti. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs