Meditation

It is likely that you live your life a little distracted.

Ever arrive at your destination not totally sure the route you took to get there?

We are often caught in the anxiety of an unknown future or depressed overthinking past events. Society has promoted DOING and ACHIEVING as it’s ideals. We are told to do more in less time, becoming so overwhelmed we frantically try to change experiences that are out of our control.

Let’s face it we are STRESSED out.

Our (sympathetic) nervous system is stuck on high alert, in fight or flight, and it leaves us tense and reactive.

How MEDITATION helps ✨

Meditation, simply put, is a process of learning how to pay attention.

It is NOT about trying to stop all thoughts completely. That is pretty much impossible.

Mindfulness, a type of meditation, is defined further as paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.

This ability to stay present non-judgmentally builds MENTAL FLEXIBILITY.

We stop doing and start just BEING.

We become more aware and enjoy our positive experiences and become more curious and open to our negative experiences.

Other benefits include less stress & anxiety, deeper relaxation and increased feelings of well being. Physiological changes also occur like lower blood pressure, improved blood circulation and decreased heart & respiratory rate. Our Parasympathetic nervous system comes back out to play!

Remember this is about self-care for YOU.

Spending just 5-10 minutes a day with your breath in meditation is worth it. YOU are worth it.

Now let’s get you started on your own Mindfulness Meditation practice.

Find your safe space.

Somewhere with no distractions (your zen den or parked car) you can really meditate anywhere.

Get comfortable.

Sit up tall with your sit bones grounded (option to sit on a cushion if you prefer).

Draw your shoulders back, keeping your back strong and allow your front to soften.

Eyes may close or stay softly gazing at the ground.

Some meditations can be done lying down, but keep in mind sitting upright activates a network of nerves in the brain that affect wakefulness and consciousness. Mix it up find what works best for you.

Set your timer. 5 - 10 - 20 minutes whatever your day allows for.

Insight timer is my FAV meditation app, it includes thousands of free meditations as well.

Set your intention.

Why are you here? To relax? For inner guidance? To let go of negative emotions?

Focus on your breath.

In thru the nose, out slow thru the mouth.

Notice your breath without manipulating it.

Can you feel the air move over your upper lip? Feel your diaphragm contract and expand?

Did your mind bombard you with thoughts or judgements?

Remember it is totally normal for your mind to stray, it’s kinda how the brain has been designed. These thoughts bring the opportunity to cultivate your awareness and return your focus to your breath… and that’s the meditation part!

Continue to breath in thru the nose, and out slowly thru the mouth for the remainder of your meditation.

Keep up your focused attention on your breath. You are doing great!

Once you are finished, slowly open your eyes back up to the world.

Take a moment to notice how do you feel? More grounded? Calm?

Meditation is working to create more space between your thoughts for you as the witness.

Finding the ability to respond rather than react.

Make sure to thank yourself for taking the time out for yourself, and committing to your meditation.

Interested in diving deeper?

Book a Craniosacral - Meditation appointment today!