Meditation has long been known as a life changing tool for stress relief and healing. While cultures around the world have utilized this healing practice for centuries, the Western world is quickly catching on.
So often we tend to think of meditation as sitting in stillness for hours at a time, but this isn't necessary accurate nor practical. I'm a firm believer in making things accessible and customized to you and your experience, so I'm excited to share 3 different ways to enjoy meditation. These 3 options may feel unconventional, but they will still provide you with a rejuvenating and empowering experience.
-3 Simple Ways to Start Meditating-
1) Focus your attention on what you're grateful for and visualize
As you close your eyes and settle in, take this time to imagine all of the things you're grateful for in your life. You can think about all of the blessings you have in your life - your home, your friends, food in the fridge, safety, access to clean water, your pet, etc. After you've visualized at least 3 things you're deeply grateful for, you can shift the meditation to be more of a visualization.
When you visualize things, you are actively manifesting. Take this time to visualize the things you would like to create in your life. Perhaps it feels empowering to visualize waking up with joy, sharing a meal with your dream partner or being able to move into a better living situation. I find that this form of meditation always leaves me in a really uplifted, excited state.
2) Focus on a mantra or words
This is a great form of meditation if you feel that you need to distract your mind so that it doesn't wander. You can choose a phrase or mantra and repeat it over and over with each breath. Some examples might include "I am loved" or "I am grounded" or "Shanti" (Sanskrit for Peace).
As you do this, you can chant the phrase with each breath or use mala beads to count how many times you've recited this statement.
3) Focus on your breath
If you want to slow down your thoughts and ease mind chatter, this is a great option. You can simply focus your awareness on your chest and notice how your chest rises with every inhale and drops with every exhale. The more awareness you bring here, the more it will feel like a dance. This can be a bit challenging for those of us with really active minds, but I think it's one of the best forms of meditation for overall stress relief.
All 3 forms of meditation are valid and provide nourishment and healing for the body. Which way feels the most in alignment for you? Keep in mind, it may shift!
Happy Meditating!
With gratitude,
Cassandra Wilder
GoddessCeremony.com