From I'm Willing to I am

In my last blog post, From I can't to I'm willing, I provided an overview of what meditation is to me and the benefits. Now I want to explore how to go about doing it.

In reflecting back on how I have built my practice over the last few years I narrowed the process down to 3 simple steps:

1. Understand the motive

2. Check in on level of desire

3. Identify a routine

Understand the motive

A few questions to consider:

• Why now - what brought the idea of meditating into your life?

• What are you hoping to get out of meditation?

• Are you doing this for yourself or someone else?

When I first started meditating it was because mental health professionals recommended it to me as a way to slow my mind, body and soul. As I practiced, I started to see the specific benefits it brought into my life. I felt more connected to my feelings and was able to be more present. Those experiences and wanting more became my motivation. I wanted to keep the routine going to see what else would emerge. Curiosity can kill the cat and it can also allow me to be open to new experiences.

Check in on level of desire

A few questions to consider:

• What priority does this have in your life?

• How often do you want to meditate?

• Are you willing to make changes to make it happen?

I was passionate about finding a meditation practice. I researched and experienced with different types for several years. There was no simple or quick answer to what I was seeking. There was no instant gratification - it took time and patience. I have had many moments of doubting if it was "working" and thoughts of "Am I doing this right?". As I continued to practice I realized that there is no right or wrong way and every time I do it, it works. My desire ebbs and flows along with life and when it ebbs I give myself compassion that I will find my practice again someday soon.

Identify a routine

A few questions to consider:

• How much time are you realistic willing to set aside to meditate?

• Where can you meditate?

• What time of day do you want to meditate?

• What type of meditation do you want to try?

I had a lot of fun trying different routines. I started with a guided meditation app on my phone for 5 minutes in the evening. I did that every day for almost a year. Then I had periods of no meditation and somehow it would find me again. I find now that meditation in the morning is easiest for me and reduces the avoidance of "being tired" at the end of my day. I do specific meditations from Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga and find they allow me to connect to something bigger and also allow me to release a lot of thoughts and emotions. I meditate in a chair, in my bedroom, where it's quiet and private. I know my routine will continue to evolve as my life does.

Good luck in your adventure - you've got this!

In our next Vahana Services blog article, we will discuss how to evaluate your routine and make small manageable adjustments as needed.

by QuackQuietRabbit (Allison Langton)