The life of a college student can be a hectic one, to say the least (anyone's life really). From a montage of classes and extracurricular activities to the occasional doses of familial drama and friendship scandal(s), it seems our minds are running at 100 miles a minute — leaving our thoughts scattered, unfinished, and sometimes forgotten. Surprisingly, we somehow always manage to get our act together; however, in doing so, are we getting that act together in the best way possible? Might we need something other than large quantities of caffeine, naps on naps on naps, a drink or five, or a spa day to achieve a sense of relaxation, build and maintain our energy/life forces, and cultivate our abilities to show love, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity? Let me tell you what I've learned by meditating.
The history of meditation is a long and illustrious one. Stretching back thousands of years, this ancient practice has proven effective time and time again. According to the EOC Institute, while we haven't been able to pinpoint the exact date meditation began, scholars attest that meditating is a 5,000 year-old practice, first practiced by hunter-gatherers, who perhaps after a long day of hunting and gathering, sat down and slipped into a meditative state while illuminated by the flames of newly discovered fire in a dark and isolated cave. Around 500 B.C., the introduction of Buddhism has formed and evolved the practice of meditation into what we know it today, staying in Asia for thousands of years before making its debut in the Western world as a result of commercial transport, relaxation of societal values, and of course, the hippie movement(s) of the 1960s and 1970s.
I won't bore you with the specific details of my life (unless you want me to), but long story short, it can get stressful (I know I'm not alone) so when talking to a friend one cool night in March on my apartment's balcony about said stress, he mentioned meditation. I'm familiar with the stereotypical legs crossed, eyes closed, "Ohm" chanting meditation, but as I have conducted research on different ways of meditating and through the guidance of my very wise friend, I've begun a journey that goes beyond that caricature — a journey that has not been easy, but a journey that marks progress day by day, allowing me to center myself and which will ultimately help me in the task of getting my sh*t together.
The English word for meditation has a Latin origin, meaning to think, ponder, and contemplate. As a glorified over-thinker of everything, I saw the practice of meditating as a challenge. Truth be told, I thought it would be easy peasy lemon squeezy; however, if I was/am to truly receive the benefits that come from meditating, I was in for a surprise.
Meditating is not as easy as it looks. Boom. There. I said it.
It's actually pretty hard, actually. I began on the floor of my room — legs crossed, hands on my knees, back straight as a rod. I closed my eyes. Now, the funny thing about meditating is that you're not supposed to be thinking of anything other than your breathing and bodily functions. Your Capstone draft due in a few days does not exist, your ideas for the next registered party's costume goes out the window. You must be in a state of being and focus. Breathe. Then breathe again.
My first time was awful. As I prepared myself for a super-mega-ultra-cool experience, my eyes closed and I began to monitor my breathing. 1 minute in, I found myself bombarded with thoughts. In the distance, I heard the familiar "ding" of my iPhone. Below me, I felt the door of my neighbor's apartment close with a bang, distracting me from my pursuit of clarity. Safe to say, I gave it a rest. While my first time was a real doozy, I refused to give up! From what I've been told, meditating correctly does not happen overnight (thankfully). It's a process that requires practice and cultivation. It should be taken very seriously, as it can seriously benefit you.
I'm not exactly where I want to be in terms of meditating effectively, but I am certain that one day I will get there. Beyond the many benefits that come with meditation, I'm appreciative of the journey it has become. I'm able to map my progress and feel accountable to something. I have a goal to reach and am able to focus on myself in pursuing that. My second time was a little better, but I still found myself unable to truly let go of my surroundings and just be. 10 days later, I still struggle, but I can tell you that I have never been more alert, rested, and at peace with myself — don't believe me? Try it for yourself.
