Meditation is a fascinating subject that I feel often festers up a lot of speculation. Does it actually work? Am I actually doing it right? What even is it? If you were to ask me a few years ago, I would've probably said the same thing. Who truly knows? I was undeniably a critic. However, my opinions of it have gradually changed through the past several years as I've noticed the impact it can have on a person's life. Meditation is a form of relaxation that primarily focuses on the power of breathing and being "in control" of oneself. There isn't truly a "correct" way to meditate - a person can do it sitting up, standing up or laying down on their bed. Meditation can be practiced with different soothing essential oils and crystals, all to which have their own significance. Meditation encourages a stress-free, optimistic lifestyle that can contribute to healthy eating, exercise, happiness and an all-around more relaxed state of living.

Over the past few years, particularly the past few weeks, I've truly adapted myself to the world of meditation as I've battled OCD and anxiety. Pessimistically, I used to get too anxious to even muster up the courage to meditate. I thought it wouldn't work or it wouldn't help me. However, I've always been fond of the message behind it and the affect it can have on a person. In a way I've always envied those who were really good at it because I simply didn't give myself enough confidence to actually try it and adjust to it. Nevertheless, as I am writing this, I am currently in a state of anxiety that I have never experienced before - and I am turning to meditation as an outlet to change my panicked behavior.

I started practicing meditation in my dorm room. I find it easier to meditate laying down because it allows me to relax my arms, and legs and I'm often way too stiff when sitting up. I turn to YouTube and an app called "Calm" to help me get in gear. I simply search up different meditation videos that fit what mood I'm in and use them to help me meditate. Some are ten minutes long and others are over an hour. It's really up to how I feel in that moment whether or not I decide to do a short or long session. Typically each video is accompanied with a soothing, echoey voice that guides you into the process of zen as well as soothing background music that entrances you to a world of calm and peaceful thinking. It takes a few minutes, but as soon as you start focusing on your breathing it's as if the words from the video hypnotize you and your mind of crazy, constant thoughts in a sense, is paused. It took me a while to finally reach this stage but now every time I meditate I usually find myself in a deepened tranquil frame of mind and I couldn't possibly enjoy it anymore than I already do. I wish the feeling could last forever.

Oddly enough, I recently bought meditation crystals from a local store in Montclair, called Blu Lotus, in hopes of trying them out - though I've never really gotten around to it. Though, this past week I've finally laid down to meditate and I decided to use my calcite crystal to help sooth my worries away. The calcite crystal is supposedly used to help remedy any fears or worries present in your life, and I knew that it would be beneficial to use whether or not it worked. The thought of using crystals to meditate is a bit bizarre, but in a way it's a tool that can help divert your attention away from the anxieties in your head. I played a calcite meditation video and meditated with my crystal. I found myself focusing my energy and attention on the crystal in my hand and it actually helped calm me down significantly. Additionally, when I meditate I like to use essential oils like lavender and peppermint. The therapeutic smells of these two oils provide a calming atmosphere and definitely contribute to my overall journey towards peace and relaxation.

Now, just because meditation helps me tremendously, doesn't mean that it's the primary curer of all my misfortunes. I see it as a "temporary fix" for a life that's plagued with anxiety. Nonetheless, meditation takes practice, and I'm by no means an expert - I'm still training myself each and every day. My overall goal is to meditate at least twice a day, every day, and work towards longer periods of relaxation. Meditating before bed is amazing and allows me to experience a deeper, more relaxed sleep more than ever before. Meditating during the day allows me to focus my mind on more positivity and serves as motivation towards getting through difficult days. Regardless, whether you're a person burdened with anxiety or simply a person that wants to be more zen, meditation has no disadvantages. Meditation is something anyone can do if they have the mindset and the willpower to do so. It might not be easy at first, but over time your body will habituate to it and it will be truly wonderful. Reaching complete and utter relaxation is a magnificent feeling and it should be shared with the world.