We've all heard of meditation. You either know someone who does it and does it well (but you don't know how) or you imagine that inevitably, someone sits in cross-legged meditation on a mat while burning Eucalyptus-scented incense. It's kinda like the same type of person who has time to make Instagram-worthy acai bowls after the dedicated practice of a sun-bright morning yoga session.
Even Barnes & Noble is telling you to; if you've set foot in any somewhat commercialized bookstore in the past year or so, then you've probably noticed the centrally located tables neatly stacked with guided meditation books. Sure, they're trying to make a sale, but books like these provide easy ways to embark on a journey toward discovering more about you.
Maybe you have someone telling you that you should start meditating who you low-key think is weird for saying so, but you're kinda intrigued. Here's why those books and people might be onto something.
Meditation is a practice that originated approximately 5,000 years ago in India, and expanded to grow in both Taoist China and Buddhist India. While meditation itself can be an isolating practice for the mind to gain clarity and the body to accept new flows of energy, it is also deeply rooted in a consciousness for spiritual and physical connectedness to the universe.
"In moments of madness, meditation has helped me find moments of serenity." -- Sir Paul McCartney
If you're anything like me, then you're saying to yourself, "I don't have time to meditate!" Well, that's exactly why you need to start meditating! Adding a short five to 10 minute meditation to your morning or evening routine can increase your productivity during the day, enhance your restfulness at night and little by little, give you more control over your mind and life!
If you're the type who always has to be doing something or has to justify sitting around and "doing nothing," then meditation is just what you need. Think of meditation as structured-relaxation. It has a purpose and can send you back to your daily routine with a stronger mind and motivation than before. Meditation teaches you what it means to have control over where your mind roams in stressful times. So control your mind and you'll be able to control a productive scheduled lifestyle if that's what you're into. If you're still not sold on being able to sit still for a few minutes just yet, then there are beautiful (and cheap) meditative coloring books to give your hands something to do while your mind roams. There you go, no excuses now!
Meditation also has health benefits! You don't have to stop eating your favorite pint of Ben & Jerry's to practice mindfulness -- your mind, body and soul will thank you for taking some time out of your day to breathe and recognize that you are in this world, but not of this world. Meditation reduces psychological stress levels, which inevitably puts the rest of your body at ease. Not only will meditation reduce your stress, but it will give you the capacity to manage stress on-the-fly in the future. Meditation also increases focus, creativity, memory and compassion, and reduces anxiety, pain and depression.
Most importantly, meditation is a prime opportunity to get to know you a little better each time. You should want to know you just as much (if not more) than others do. You will be able to explore your mind and its toxic tendencies, productively letting them go as you relax and become more mindful of the positive energy that's flowing inside of you right now.
"Meditation is helping you to tap into something that's already inside of you...that's you, in essence." -- Cameron Diaz
Meditation might not be easy the first few times, and that's OK! Know that the more you stick with it, the easier it will be for your mind and body to relax. One of the most challenging concepts for busy people is the act of carving out time for the self. To all you busy people or if you're just looking for something to do, give yourself a few minutes to reconnect with your mind and spirit. Grab a book (guided meditation or a coloring book -- they both count), a quiet space and experience the joys of relaxing your mind. You deserve it!
