03/10/2021
Interested in beginning a meditation practice, but don’t know where to start?
Well, I can help you with that!
Let me start by demystifying some of the misconceptions about meditation and then I will offer you some of those secret ingredients to have a successful practice.
Discover the power of the pause
Constant noise and busyness in your body and mind has a negative effect on the quality of your health and wellbeing. Perhaps you feel the effects of that in the form of disrupted sleep, fatigue, depression or anxiety, cloudy thinking, lack of focus, racing thoughts, aches and pains and possibly disease?
Take music as an example. It is the pause between notes that creates the magic of the melody. If there were no pauses there would only be chaotic noise.
When it comes to your mind and body, it is during the pause between effort and thought that a healing environment is created and the magic of relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation is experienced.
Tame the noise:
Meditation is one of the best methods to tame the noise. It helps to self regulate your nervous system, reduce inflammation and boost your immune system activating your own intrinsic healing mechanism. You can tame anxiety, negative emotions, poor decision making as well as chronic pain, eating disorders, addictions and chronic fatigue.
A regular meditation practice will help you feel more content, healthy, peaceful and able to deal with the pace of the crazy world out there.
I have found that there are quite a few misconceptions when it comes to what meditation is all about and how to do it. I will address 5 of those as simply as possible to hopefully give you a new perspective on the topic
Misconception #1
You must quiet all thoughts and be in total silence for a successful meditation
It is normal that thoughts will come and go during meditation. Even the most seasoned meditator will have thoughts as often as every 7 seconds. Becoming aware that you are having thoughts, then making the decision to stop paying attention to them is how you will tame their effects on you.
Misconception #2
Meditating is not easy
The biggest hindrance to meditation is trying to meditate. If you are trying you are not meditating.
When all trying stops meditating begins.
Although our outer world is governed by effort, our inner world or realm is governed by effortlessness.
Misconception #3
Meditation must be done in a seated, crossed-legged position
Even though we often associate meditation with someone wearing loin cloth, seated in the lotus or cross-legged position, we do not have to set ourselves up in a position that may be physically impossible for us or cause physical pain.
Choose any position where you are not restricted or distracted by discomfort or pain. You will appreciate a position that will allow you to breathe well and remain in a wakeful state. Even though lying down can be incredibly comfortable it may not be the best position to ensure that you won’t fall asleep.
Misconception # 4
Meditation is equivalent to napping. If I nap I will not sleep at night.
You may catch yourself falling asleep and napping during some meditations. If so, good! You obviously needed to rest.
The difference between napping and meditating is that while you are meditating you are in a deep, restful state yet you are completely present and aware of your experience.
It is said that a 20 minute meditation will have the restorative qualities of a full night’s sleep. So a meditation is a power nap on steroids!
The best part is that you will experience a deeper, more restorative sleep as your meditation practice becomes part of your regular routine.
Misconception #5
Meditation must be done in full stillness for lengthy times to reap the benefits
You experience meditation each time that you decide to take a deep breath and pay attention to the moment. You can do so seconds at a time, many times during your day.
I love the high that I get when I do meditation in motion. You can be present, aware and mindful when you walk, dance, cycle, garden, etc.
You know that incredible feeling when you are in the zone. Isn’t it beautiful!
SECRET TO SUCCESS
It is called a meditation practice. Not a meditation performance or perfection.
Just like training your muscles to be physically fit, you will train your nervous system to calm down and self regulate itself. You will flex your decision making, or focus muscles that will help keep you in the present moment. It takes time and repetition but it is so worth it.
Meditation is the art of being completely effortless YET being present and aware. You must be present to win!
Try these 3 simple tips to ensure that you integrate meditation into your self-care regime:
1. Carve out a specific time in your schedule to meditate: Set yourself up for success by carving out specific times on your busy calendar.
2. Put a do not disturb sign on your door so that you can spend your quiet time undisturbed.
3. Set a timer start with a few minutes then slowly build up to 5, 10, 20 or more minutes. The timer helps so that you don’t worry about how long you have been practicing.
4. Be patient with yourself and especially with your busy thoughts.
5. Celebrate each milestone! Take a moment to joyfully cheer yourself on as you start and end each practice.
The power of the pause is life-changing.
Join me for 10 weeks of introduction to meditation. I will gently guide you through a variety of techniques that will help you get the most out of your meditation experience and set the pace and tone for your own personal, lifelong, life-altering practice.
This course is included and accessible 24/7 in your membership or 30-day pass.
If you do not wish to invest in a membership you can purchase this course for a drastically reduced price. The regular cost is over $135.00 You can own this program for the low price of $45.00 including HST!
The results of the 10 week program: PRICELESS!
https://jackieleduc.ca/courses-new/
