Start practicing meditation today

Let me start by saying I am not a mediation guru. I am new to meditation as I have been consistently practicing it for six months now, and all the information I have read is correct.

Here are some of my results:
 
I feel calmer
I sleep better
I have clarity when I am thinking
I don’t get irritated as easily
I don’t feel lonely
I am happier in life as a whole
 
During my studies, I learned meditation has existed for thousands of years, but it’s never been more popular than it is right now.
 
I would always hear that meditation is good for you, but I never knew or understand how, so I decided to try it for myself.

The beautiful thing is, you can start today! Meditation is simple, free, and can be practiced anywhere.
 
It’s well worth your effort and time. I encourage you to read these tips I gathered from my personal experience and start your meditation practice today.
 
***Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist or psychologist; these tips are my personal experience only***
 
There are many reasons to include meditation in your daily life:
 
1.     Release pain in your body during your meditation, you can focus on areas of tension and pain in your body. I have done this through guided meditation. You focus on where the pain is located in your body and being present helps to release the pain. This has worked for me on some occasions; however, you have to be very focused.

2.     Enhanced self-control and the ability to regulate emotions. I have noticed I am not quick to answer as much and allow things to noodle (my word for thinking). I am more self-aware and have self-regulation which are two components of Emotional Intelligence. I don’t allow things to bother me as much. Let’s say I am more aware of where I give my energy.

3.     Slow aging. Because you are being mindful of the present moment, I read that your cognitive functioning is better preserved if you meditate every day. I can’t tell if my aging is slowing, however I am more alert.

4.     Improve memory and attention. I have noticed I am more attentive when I am focused on one thing at a time (and if you know me that is hard). It is a proven fact the brain cannot multi-task, therefore when I work on something I attempt to not allow distractions in.

For example, as I am writing this my phone is turned down and away from me. I am being mindful of my time and remembered to remove all distractions.

5.     Learning to be more present. This one is hard for me because I am constantly thinking about the future. Meditation has allowed me to face the past and focus on what is going on in that present moment. Throughout my day, I stop and sit still to give my mind a break. Meditation is about keeping your mind in the present moment. You’ll feel a sense of relief and great peace.

6.     Lower stress and enhance your mood. I read that meditation is widely used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. I have not been clinically diagnosed with these disorders, but I have been depressed, had anxiety, and felt loneliness during my life. My therapist told me to meditate daily for 5 minutes and increase it when I am comfortable and this will help with my feelings of loneliness.

He was right! As I meditate any feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness have dissipated.
 
7.     Enjoy a more positive lifestyle. Mostly I am a positive person. I have noticed since I started meditating I am very protective of my peace which leads to being more positive. Regardless of problems, I always try to look at what I have versus what I don’t have.

8.     Make more friends/associates. I used the app Insight Timer for meditation. It has an option where you can meet and be friends with other people around the world who are meditating. I also read a few forums on the topic. It feels great to be around people who understand you and not judge. Acceptance of you who you are is what I seek to provide to myself and my clients.

It is OKAY to like what you like and do what you want to do.

I notice I am more accepting of others and non-judgmental. You will find you don’t care how other people are living their lives.

 
Meditation doesn’t have to take up a significant portion of your day. Start with a few minutes of meditation a day. The app I mentioned has guided meditation starting from one-minute to one-hour. I started with one-minute meditations and now I am up to 10-15 minutes. Start with 5 minutes of meditation and increase the time as you see fit.
 
I encourage you to take time for your health and life, and practice meditation; try it for 30 days and see how you feel.

Study and read about the benefits and try to prove the research wrong, that is what I did and the research won!