From I can't to I'm willing (to build a meditation practice)

In recovery circles, feeling and knowing oneself are paramount to the 12 steps; therefore journaling and meditation come up a lot in conversation. I have heard A LOT of people say they can't meditate. The question that pops into my head is "What do you think meditation is?". I believe everyone can meditate because for me it can be as simple as being fully aware in whatever I am doing.

What is Meditation?

I have a few tips on how to get going with meditation, but first I want to explore more what meditation is for me.

Over the years I have learned from many spiritual and religious people that we are not our thoughts. When I started to explore who I was I realized its much deeper than my thinking, body, emotions, the roles I play, my work, and my hobbies. I meditate to go on the journey to find my true self beyond all labels. That is an exploration each one of us can do and meditation is a key to doing so.

Meditation for me is:

• Doing something with full intention and focus

• Noticing when thoughts come up and coming back to an anchor (breathe, mantra, movement, food, writing, etc.)

• Quieting the mind to allow for deep relaxation and for my deeper self to emerge

• Silence

What Meditation is not:

• Controlling my thoughts

• Not thinking at all

• Always done while sitting

Reflect on what you think meditation is and what has motivated you to learn about it.

Benefits of Meditation

The benefits become more obvious to me every time I practice. I am more calm, patient and grounded, body aware, and feeling aware. I allow the light of the universe in and shed the layers that I don't need. I become aware of my priorities and what is truly important to me. I find compassion and gentleness in knowing that with a little silence and stillness I can get through anything. I am better able to manage my outward reactions because I am aware of what's going on inside.

In our next post we will review some steps in starting a meditation practice. Let's move from I can't to I'm willing!

By QuackQuietRabbit (Allison Langton)