Have you ever meditated before? Do you know what it involves? If you are like most people probably not. My thought was, do you just sit and face the wall for an hour and then reach some state of nirvana? I had no idea what it involved.
Years ago someone had recommended that I meditate to reduce anxiety. The suggestion went in one ear and then out the other. However, when I went back to school as an adult with 2 children, my stress level was pretty high. I had some difficulty sleeping, which affected my mood. Someone again suggested meditation. I was ready to hear it that time.
I went to Barnes and Noble’s self help section and found the books on meditation. I pulled out Meditation For Dummies. There was writing all over the pages. It was stressful just to look at. I remember thinking, “Hmm Meditation for Dummies looks overwhelming, that’s pretty sad.” Then I found this little book called 8 Minute Meditation by Davich. It was a small book, written for the layperson. My thought was that we all have 8 minutes in our day that we could put aside to meditate.
Davich explains that when you begin to meditate, your mind will wander. This happens to everyone, as our minds are typically going 24-7. The key is to gently recognize that your mind is wandering and go back to focusing on your meditation. It may feel weird or awkward-as anything you try for the first time. You may feel restless, as how often do you sit still and do nothing? We are so used to doing, vs. just being. You will be amazed at how good it can feel to just, be.
The wonderful thing about this book is that it is divided up into 8 chapters, so there are 8 different 8-minute meditations. Davich recommends that you do each chapter every day for 1 week, that way you will have meditated for 2 months by the time you are finished. Then you can determine which one you like the best and do what is most effective for you. Once you have practiced awhile, you won’t even need 8 minutes to get you relaxed.
It’s a wonderful tool to have to use in any situation that would be anxiety evoking such as, addressing conflict, going on a job interview, performing, or giving a presentation. You can even go into the restroom of wherever you may be speaking or interviewing, shut the door, and meditate a few minutes so you can be as centered and relaxed as possible before your event.
I have used this to help me fall asleep at night. I know myself well enough to tell if I can fall asleep without meditating. If I have a lot on my mind I will meditate and it will slow down those thoughts to make it easier to fall asleep.
This is something I teach to many of my clients. If you are stressed and feel that you could benefit from learning how to meditate or other relaxation techniques, give me a call at 713-304-6554.
Take care,
Debbie
