More and more people are discovering the power of meditation. In a world that is becoming more and more demanding, busier and more chaotic, it is even more important to be able to stand still for a while. Literally, but also in your head. Meditation can help you with this.
Meditating seems to be the “panacea” for a conscious, balanced life. In the Far East, they have known this for centuries, and in recent decades this view has also spread to the western world. In your search for a good balance between a great life full of fun and ambitions and a conscious, healthy lifestyle, you have come across meditation as a golden tip. You may have even tried it, or at least read some articles about it.
By meditating you train your mind, just as you train your body during exercise. So, would you like to try meditation but you don’t know where to start? Or are you still a bit skeptical, but secretly also very curious? The following three basic principles will help you on your way.
Ready for a portion of zen? Try it out:
1. Focus, focus focus
By focusing you create more inner peace. For example, you can focus on your body, a certain part of your body, your breathing or on positive thoughts. Focusing on one thing and not being distracted by all kinds of thoughts that will undoubtedly come and go, that is the art. It’s okay that you have different thoughts while focusing; that makes perfect sense. The point is that you are aware of this and that you learn to bring your focus back to what you were originally focusing on. (Do you still get it? 😉)
A focus meditation that you can try is the focus on positive thoughts. If you have obstructing – negative – thoughts, try putting positive mantras against that. Focus on thoughts that help you instead of hindering you. For example, think “I am good as I am” and experience what happens to you if you repeat this mantra a few times.
2. Take your time
Of course you have a busy life. The work must be finished, the fridge filled and the food on the table. And then also sit still cross-legged for half an hour? Doesn’t that fit in with the schedule? It is precisely because we are always concerned with what is to come or what has happened in the past that meditation is so important. Otherwise we simply forget to live in the here and now and life rushes past us.
Therefore making the time for meditation is key. And the great thing is: you don’t have to sit still for half an hour a day to create peace in your head. You can also build in a meditation / mindfulness moment during breakfast, when you are talking or during your daily walk to the office. Be aware of what you eat at breakfast and enjoy every bite. Focus fully on your conversation partner instead of being busy with judging and your own story. Take a look around and wonder about the environment, the people and the weather. Open up and enjoy.
3. Acceptance
Everyone encounters resistance and unpleasant thoughts in his or her life. Life is simply not a collection of only happy moments and happy feelings; sadness, frustration, anger, fear and shame are inevitable in everyone’s life. Meditation does not change that.
However, what meditation does help you with is acceptance. The vulnerability and unpredictability of life remain unchanged, but your ability to accept life as it is grows as you practice meditation more often. This helps you deal with events in your life better, especially when you need it the most.
Tip: start with guided meditation
Meditation requires training and patience. It is not that you master it after three breathing exercises of a minute. A good way to start meditating is through guided meditation. Here you follow a spoken text or certain sounds that help you to come to yourself. A personal favorite is the Headspace app, which you can easily download on your phone.
This blog was originally written in Dutch by Eline Hoffman. Change the language of the website (top right) to read the Dutch version.
Eline
This blog was originally written in Dutch by Eline Hoffman. Change the language of the website (top right) to read the Dutch version.
Freelance copywriter and editor Eline Hoffman has a weakness for people with a beautiful, powerful, inspiring or moving story. She prefers to write those stories down herself. Whether the words come from the mouth of a child, an entrepreneur, a world improver, a BN person or a 90-year-old; this lady has made attentive listening her hobby and writing stories her work. Conscious living, sustainability, style, music and health are the things in which she prefers to immerse herself. Want to know more about Eline? See her website www.elinehoffman.com.
