Three tips to start your meditation journey
In our daily life, we are too often driven by our agendas and to-do lists. Who regularly presses the pause button and conducts a self check-in? Who takes the time to ask oneself how do they (really) feel mentally, physically, energetically and emotionally?
The older I get, the more I start to feel how every parts of me are not only linked but also impacting each other. There is an undeniable interconnectedness between the different dimensions of our lives, including physical, mental, emotional and energetic aspects. I knew we are holistic beings; but now, I feel it more and more each day.
I must admit, most of my life, I focused on my physical self. When I first heard about yoga, I saw it as “just another sport”. With time I realised that yoga is not only the asanas practice and started to be drawn to the yogic philosophy and meditation. So, in 2023, I have decided to join a self-enquiry and meditation teacher training course in Bali.
Photo credit: Dewa Koyo (2023)
Now that I am back, let me share three general learnings that can help you start your mindfulness and meditation journey.
1. Consistency is key
Personally, I first thought that I don’t have time to dedicate (what I thought would be hours) to meditation. Yet, the length of your practice isn’t the most important. To start, meditate for a short amount of time. Whether dedicating a few minutes each morning or before bedtime, the key factor in harnessing the power of meditation lies in the consistency of your practice. Our mind is very creative and easily finds reasons to skip practice. Try different meditation routines until you find one that seamlessly integrates into your daily life. Pro-tip: meditate at regular times. It conditions your brain to concentrate during that specific period, making meditation more accessible for you.
2. Create your meditation cocoon
Having a designated meditation space can enhance the quality of your practice. Using the same spot helps your brain to focus in that area and you’ll find it easier to meditate. Whether it's a cozy corner or an entire room, it doesn’t really matter. Simply make sure that your meditation cocoon is tidy, clean and quiet to prevent distractions. Pro-tip: make your meditation spot a safe space you love and can instantly relax when you see it.
3. Explore different meditation techniques
One size doesn’t always fit all. And it’s the same with meditation. Ranging from mantra singing to the practice of loving-kindness (Metta) meditations, each approach presents a distinctive pathway to self-discovery. I encourage you to experiment with various methods to find which one(s) resonates most with your inner self.
PRESS PLAY MEDITATE
As a culmination of my journey in Bali and echoing the feedbacks I’ve received, I am excited to share that I will be launched the "Press Play Meditate" podcast. This podcast aims to bring the power of meditation to your fingertips. It offers guided sessions to help you discover the methods that resonate with you the most and so, enrich your meditation journey. Press play and embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
