Meditation can be hard. I always have that niggling thought that I'm not doing it right, which is a distraction. These are some good suggestions. I tend to be more of a moving meditator. I agree that swimming is a wonderful way to meditate.
"Not doing it right" is the #1 reason people give up trying to meditate. There is no right or wrong, the benefit is in the trying. Swimming as meditation is my personal favorite way, but sitting still is what I need most days. As long as you are present and breathing, you are doing it right.
Fantastic suggestions. I've been meditating for a while and these tips are ones that have helped me. I also can't sit still - so rocking back and forth while seated helps me. The mantra is my concentrated focal point and the rhythm of moving adds to it.
Katie, have you ever explored kirtan? You might enjoy that if you like mantra. The vibrations of the sounds and chanting them are both deeply meditative and energizing at the same time.
Yes! The yoga studio I go to offers Kirtan a few times a year led by a guy who comes out from Philly. I love it!! I've found a few online during covid too. Kirtan is my jam 😁
Great article Janine. When I first started to meditate getting my mind to focus was a battle. But as I kept going using guided meditations I found it easier and easier to try and remain present. My mind wants to wander but I find I can bring it back, to focus on meditation. I find Meditation such a great way to calm my anxiety, and any other thoughts. It’s great to know that the mind wandering is normal. I find wearing headphones and using the guided meditations also helps me to focus because it allows be to tune out any distractions. Except maybe for my 8 month Springer spaniel licking me on the head lol!!
Yes, dogs can up the challenge, for sure! The key is to allow. Allow the licking, allow the wandering, allow the sounds, allow the sensations. When you allow the present to be as it is, it's no longer a distraction, it's simply part of the experience.
Meditation can be hard. I always have that niggling thought that I'm not doing it right, which is a distraction. These are some good suggestions. I tend to be more of a moving meditator. I agree that swimming is a wonderful way to meditate.
"Not doing it right" is the #1 reason people give up trying to meditate. There is no right or wrong, the benefit is in the trying. Swimming as meditation is my personal favorite way, but sitting still is what I need most days. As long as you are present and breathing, you are doing it right.
Fantastic suggestions. I've been meditating for a while and these tips are ones that have helped me. I also can't sit still - so rocking back and forth while seated helps me. The mantra is my concentrated focal point and the rhythm of moving adds to it.
Katie, have you ever explored kirtan? You might enjoy that if you like mantra. The vibrations of the sounds and chanting them are both deeply meditative and energizing at the same time.
Yes! The yoga studio I go to offers Kirtan a few times a year led by a guy who comes out from Philly. I love it!! I've found a few online during covid too. Kirtan is my jam 😁
Awesome! It's so good. There are many talented people out there leading wonderful experiences.
Thanks Janine. It is really helpful to get to read your post and actually communicate with you to get advice. It’s great 😊
Thank you Janine that’s awesome advice.
Glad it helps, Pete, that's what I am here for!
Great article Janine. When I first started to meditate getting my mind to focus was a battle. But as I kept going using guided meditations I found it easier and easier to try and remain present. My mind wants to wander but I find I can bring it back, to focus on meditation. I find Meditation such a great way to calm my anxiety, and any other thoughts. It’s great to know that the mind wandering is normal. I find wearing headphones and using the guided meditations also helps me to focus because it allows be to tune out any distractions. Except maybe for my 8 month Springer spaniel licking me on the head lol!!
Yes, dogs can up the challenge, for sure! The key is to allow. Allow the licking, allow the wandering, allow the sounds, allow the sensations. When you allow the present to be as it is, it's no longer a distraction, it's simply part of the experience.