I was having breakfast with a friend this morning and she mentioned that she’s been trying to meditate more often. I immediately jumped up and said that meditating five minutes a day was one of the only goals that has been on my todo list for over two months that I never ever get to check off.
When she asked me why, at first I said I really didn’t know why. I said that I had this super-structured day and I just didn’t seem to be able to find a minute to meditate until it was late into the night and then I just fell asleep. But even as I was saying it, I knew it was an inexplicably ridiculous excuse.
I seriously didn’t have five minutes in my day anytime before 9pm?
No way.
As I thought (and talked) more, I realized it was because I had all these restrictions around the concept of meditating. It had to be super-quiet which meant I couldn’t do it anytime the kids were around. I couldn’t do it when I am tired because I might fall asleep which meant night time and right after morning exercises were also out. I had to be calm and there had to be no way I could be interrupted in the middle of it so that left most of my day time out since I work and could be reached on IM or the phone at any moment.
I’d pretty much decided that I couldn’t possibly do it unless I was guaranteed those minutes were going to be completely “zen.” Or whatever my idea of optimal meditation environment seemed to be.
After suggesting some wonderful alternatives, like walking meditation, my friend mentioned that she does her meditation to music. This one song. She also said that her physical therapist recommended she meditate right after doing strength exercises so her muscles can relax.
That did the trick for me. Somehow it enabled me to let go of the unnecessary restrictions I’d placed on this one goal.
I went home, bought the song, and right after my strength exercises were done, I sat and meditated. Just for six minutes. This was the first time I was able to check off the “meditate” box in my todo list in over six weeks. It was quiet cause Nathaniel was sleeping. Work didn’t interrupt me. I didn’t fall asleep.
In fact, I felt peaceful and rested after I was done.
I’ve recently begun investigating all these unnecessary restrictions that I seem to place on my tasks. Sometimes it makes the goal seem so much bigger and more complicated than it is. And, clearly, they do not serve any purpose except to make it harder for me cross off the item.
Today, I have tangible proof that stepping back to analyze your restrictions and the true reason why you’re not accomplishing a task is really helpful. It eliminates the unnecessary and allows you to get to the crux of the issue. You still may not end up doing it but at least now it’s with awareness.
I left our breakfast thinking that awareness is such a gift. It allows me to live my life on a much higher and deeper level. It is something I want to cultivate more and more in my life.
And guess what?
Meditation helps raise awareness.
Life is circular like that. You take the first step and the universe comes together to help you take the next one.
This is great. You’re right. We do put unnecessary restrictions on ourselves, and we don’t even realize it. So glad you were able to have this talk (and time) with your friend and that it brought about this awareness. Kudos on finding and making the time. 🙂
What a great post…and great insight…and great inspiration. Care to share the name of the song?
it’s called Meditations from Thais 🙂
Thank you, Karen. And thank you, Becks. I also am one that places a lot of “unnecessary restrictions” on things. And I’ve wanted to begin a regular practice of meditating.
I love your blog, Karen. Sorry I haven’t ever commented before.
I feel the same way. I know all about the benefits, but don’t seem ever in the mood to. I get bored during meditation! I do meditation during yoga though. I could concentrate on breathing and holding the pose, and my mind is still and clear.
I also do meditation in bed before I go to sleep. So what if you fall asleep? You still get to meditate for a few minutes, and you fall asleep much faster. There are a lot of 5-20 guided meditation podcasts on iTunes, and they are perfect for bed time meditation.
I wish I could sit lotus style on a big cushion, and meditate an hour a day. But it’ll never happen. What I do now is pretty good, better than nothing.
I’ve just started to meditate every day also. I read about this book recently on another blog… The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
by Thich Nhat Hanh… the blog author said the book helped her realize that her entire day could be a form of meditation by just being present…. I haven’t read it yet but it’s on my wish list…..
I’ve been meditating 5 to 10 minutes each day for the last 2 years…I dont do it everyday, sometimes I find excuses, sometimes I fall asleep but I know that when I do, I function so much better! I found Liz Lamoreux through Ali Edwards and even took one of her classes. I cannot meditate to silence but I adore her guided meditations, try this one, I promise you, it’s short but so powerful http://www.lizlamoreux.com/find-your-center/a-senses-journey-a-meditation.html
thanks for sharing
Definitely get the how to meditate book by Thich Nhat Hanh (actually any of his books are fabulous). I just got it for my husband for his Valentine’s Day present. Mindfulness can be practiced whatever you are doing. Finding 5 minutes somewhere to practice sitting meditation is great, 30 minutes is even better. I used to feel the same way about doing art, that I couldn’t do it unless I had an uninterrupted period of time, all my supplies ready and out, blah, blah, blah. You really just have to seize the day and make it part of your routine, just as you have done with sketching, reading with your children, etc. Thanks for posting your revelation.
Aloha, Kate
Beautiful! I think sometimes we *think* too much about meditation! I have grown up with a mother in love with Deepak Chopra and a husband who purchases books and CDs but then forgets to use them?
I think sometimes it is as simple as tuning out, I just use a word and say it again and again softly and let go of the things hanging on me (I am blond however and that helps!!!).
I love coming here and being lifted up in new life~ brilliant sweet one!!!
I love this post, this was how I always feel about yoga. Especially the part of falling asleep, that’s why I rarely watch tv and read books mostly during the day. I am a mover and once I sit my eyes start closing then I never want to get up again, lol
How awesome that you had this talk with her and found a solution to fit this in your life. So happy for you!