Learning how to properly meditate has been on my to-do list for years. Years. I had no idea where to even begin. Do I read an intro book? Which app would be best? Where do I do it? How do I even do it? The thought of beginning to meditate was too daunting. So I didn’t.
Until I was finally given the push (that I so desperately) needed from my acupuncturist last month, during an emergency session that I had scheduled. My acupuncturist assured me that Headspace is a great program for super novices, such as myself.
And so I began my meditation journey. I meditated for 10 minutes, everyday, for 30 days. And let me tell you, the guided meditations are awesome, and I feel so much lighter.
Headspace has both a book and an app (which I immediately purchased and downloaded, respectively). With the app in hand, you will have access to guided meditations, that are only 10 minutes each morning. It’s a great place to learn the basics needed to embark the journey of mindfulness.
It’s no secret that meditation has serious benefits for everyday well being. As stated on the Headspace website:
For thousands of years, meditators have claimed many benefits for their practice. Our experience, and that of Headspace members, suggests that regular mindfulness practice, through meditation, is an effective treatment for stress, worry, lack of focus, relationship problems, addictions and more. It leads to peace of mind and wellbeing, greater focus and creativity and better relationships.
Don’t be fooled, the Headspace program isn’t about mantras or chants or connecting with some mysterious force, it’s about taking 10 minutes a day to calm your mind. To reconnect with your body and your mind.
It was tough at first, learning how to clear my mind, focusing on my body and breath for an uninterrupted 10 minutes. But eventually, something clicked, and it all made sense. Even on the days I didn’t think I was doing it right, I noticed a huge positive shift in my thinking.
I’ve begun to taking a few moments throughout my day to check in on myself, both physically and mentally. Which is another way of saying that I am staying present and in-tune to how I feel.
I’ve tweaked my morning routine to now incorporate 10 minutes of daily meditation before heading to the gym. I am also keeping a meditation journal, to document how I feel after each session (even just a sentence or two), which is recommended for beginners. It lives next to the mini zen garden Alex bought me when we went to visit the Morikami Japanese Gardens.
Today, marks my 30th day meditating. And while I know I have a long, long way to go as far as living in the moment and enjoying each and every day in the present, I feel better. Much better. My anxiety has gone down a few notches and I’m more comfortable with myself.
So, I’m going to continue. My next goal, 90 days in a row of meditation.
And guys, when you download the app, you can listen to 10 days worth of guided meditations for free. If you want to continue these guided meditations you can sign up for a subscription, however, here is a free 30 day promo code: REW30-ZJ2MAG
Happy Meditating!
PS. Another book I highly recommend (from my personal development reading list), if you’re not ready to give meditation a go, is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I finished reading it a few weeks ago, and have to honestly admit that it helped tremendously while I embarked on meditation!