The Two Gifts of Meditation
Meditation. Love it or hate it, you can't deny it boasts some serious benefits.
Personally, I see meditation as a gift to myself; and while some days I’m more generous than others, this is one area I best not be stingy. It’s also a gift (tool) that I offer my clients. And while they’re generally open to trying, it’s sometimes met with resistance. They want to know, “how will meditation help me?”. My answer is, there are two undeniable gifts of meditation that will help you achieve your love goals:
#1. Meditation breeds awareness. The way I like to practice meditation, is by focusing on my breath. I’m not focused on trying to clear my mind, I’m focused on noticing my breath moving in and out (which I also enjoy doing via a guided meditation, from time to time). The “practice” of meditation is just that, a practice. And so slipping into mindless thinking is all part of the journey! This is actually what makes the practice part possible - meaning, you can’t “fail” at meditation. Most of us mere mortals will find ourselves inevitably slipping into a whirlwind of thoughts, without even noticing. This is where awareness comes in. As we practice meditation, we will sooner become aware when we’ve stopped focusing on our breathing and started stressing about the past or future. This is how we cultivate awareness through meditation - by noticing when we’ve slipped. And as you stay consistent with your practice, you will see that you’re able to bring this mindful awareness into your day, in your thoughts and interactions with others. Awareness gives you the chance to notice patterns and choose differently- one of the key factors of having successful relationships, with anyone.
#2. Meditation breeds self-love. When you slip into mindless thinking, and you will, gently bring yourself back to focusing on your breath - without judging yourself or your practice. Easier said than done, I know. But the sooner you let it go, the sooner you can come back to your breath and back to your practice. Meditation teaches that gentle self-encouragement is far more effective than badgering ourselves for what we aren’t doing right. Again, there is no failing at meditation. Some days you’ll be more focused, others you won’t - the question is, can you accept yourself either way?
Just like working out, the effects of meditation are cumulative - and you will see the results in your awareness and your self-loving attitude as you stay consistent in your practice. Whenever you say or think to yourself that you don’t know how to meditate or that you suck at this meditation thing, remind yourself that it’s called a “practice” for a reason.
Let me tell you, that most days my meditation is like a constant ebb and flow of thinking and not thinking. It’s not quite as elegant as one might imagine. But none the less, my meditation practice has brought me closer to myself, which has brought me closer to living my most fulfilled life, and enjoying a conscious, connected relationship.
Embrace meditation as part of your everyday(ish) life, in whatever way, at whatever time suits you best. Meditation is not a race, there is no finish line, no awards to be received and no goal to be attained. It’s a way of life, that I suggest you give a try.
Peace, love and gifts of meditation,
Diana