Is anyone else into meditating?
Or maybe you WANT to be but you’re having trouble?
Or you think it’s just a bunch of hoopla?
I’m here to tell you, meditation is SO amazing and has been PROVEN to make some huge impacts on our lives.
I’ve dabbled in meditation from time to time, but always felt like I couldn’t shake the constant voice in my head and just enjoy SILENCE. I’ve since come to realize, it’s not about complete silence in your mind; it’s about letting those thoughts come, acknowledging them, and then letting them go just as quickly. This allows you to create space for other things.
I know it’s not easy though, so please don’t expect it to be.
One way that I make time for meditation is when I go to yoga. Aside from savassana at the end of my practice, I always ensure I get there a few minutes early, set up my mat and lay down in complete stillness and breathe. If there are others around me talking or being loud, I practice tuning them out; if it’s quiet in the room, then I get to enjoy the silence and letting my thoughts come and go.
But sometimes we need more than that. A friend of mine recently suggested the Stop, Breathe & Think app which I have used on a few occasions. You are able to pick your current mood and feelings and they suggest a few short guided meditations around those feelings. I have done a few of these as I’m laying in bed and while they’re only about 10 minutes long, I’ve been able to relax so much I’m asleep before they’re even over.
So why meditate? Here are 10 proven benefits of meditation:
- Reduces stress
- Improves concentration
- Increases self-awareness
- Increases happiness
- Helps preserve the brain
- Rivals depression and anxiety
- Improves focus
- Improves memory
- Reduces blood pressure
- Improves empathy and positive relationships
I understand that meditation isn’t for everyone, but I definitely think it’s worth TRYING, especially if you’re feeling like you need some assistance in any of the above.
Do you meditate?
Ooooh I think I’m going to have to try this! I’ve given mediation a shot, but I always feel like I suck at it. This app might be all the help I need! Thanks! xoxoxo, Kayla
Kayla recently posted…How Fundraising and Volunteering Boost Your Resume and Mental Health
Girl, DO IT!!
I’ve always wanted to get into meditation. I desperately need it, that’s for sure! Finding the time, space and consistency has been my challenge. I need to check out that app! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Shelly recently posted…When I Close My Eyes
Definitely check it out! It really helps make the routine easier!
I enjoy meditation, I want to do it more though. My brain refreshes itself afterwards and it’s amazing to zone out. I’m loving all the benefits too.
Leslie recently posted…Daith Piercing For Migraines
That post meditation refresh is seriously amazing!
I’ve tried meditating once, but I fell asleep. I guess I relaxed my brain significantly. However, I would like to give it another try and not fall asleep! The app sounds like something that would benefit that second try too! Thanks for sharing!
Erin | A Welder’s Wife recently posted…Food for Thought: To Be or Not To Be Ethical?
Personally I don’t think falling asleep is a bad thing (as long as you don’t have somewhere you need to be)! It’s great to do awake too, but when I have trouble falling asleep some nights, turning on the app and following the meditation has been enough to put me right to sleep!
I’m not sure if i label what i do meditation but i definitely try to take quiet time to myself and let everything go. It helps me get to sleep after a stressful day!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Favorite Gluten Free Swaps
I think that’s perfect!!
Meditation totally changed my life! Although my practice has really transformed from when I first started. As a mom I rarely get quiet uninterupted moments, so I’ve found meditation in my chores!
Bethany recently posted…Ghost Chair
Girl, whatever works for you!! As long as you feel like you’re getting that time, is what matters most!
One of my yoga teachers once said, if you’re too busy for five minutes of meditation you definitely need 20. I go through periods when I meditate regularly and others when I don’t at all. This reminds me, I need to start making time for it again. Thank you!
HA! That’s amazing!! I’m going to remember that!
As always I enjoyed your post. I have never meditated but with everything that has been going on with me lately I think I should give it a try. I am gonna pin this so I can refer back to it again as to how it can benefit me. Thanks!
Christine recently posted…Creative Ways to Use Ottomans in the Bedroom
I hope you’re able to make time for it! Even if it’s just a few minutes right before bed. Start small and do what works for you. Even closing your eyes and taking a few really mindful breaths is a great start!
I’m going to have to try that app. It’s so hard for me to stop thinking, so if I had a guided meditation, it would be much easier. I’ve tried it once before, and I really liked it. I could use some of those benefits!
Shann Eva recently posted…Handprint Art, The thought that counts
Don’t worry about your thoughts, they happen to all of us! Just let them come, acknowledge them and then let them go. It sounds weird and totally impossible but with practice it gets easier!
Downloading this app, like, RIGHT NOW. I’ve been on the hunt for a good meditation app, so thank you for sharing this one!
Coming Up Roses
Erica @ Coming Up Roses recently posted…What I Learned at UPenn: I would tell my freshman year self…
YAY! I hope that it helps you as much as it’s helped me!
Hey, this post is so good – I love meditating and mindfulness, especially because of reasons 4 and 7! Afterwards I always feel lighter and happier which is great and I find I have a much more productive day if I do it in the morning! Thanks for reminding me how important it is!
Amy Saunders recently posted…11 Exercises You can do at Home!
I love hearing this, Amy!! 🙂