It’s easy, in our day-to-day activities, to get caught up in the whirlwind of life. We’re punching clocks, creating to-do lists, helping family members or neighbors, caring for a spouse or child, paying bills, or working on the latest home improvement project.
Life is busy and, more often than not, we’re over-scheduled.
How often do we pause and allow the dust to settle? Just pause, stop whatever we’re doing, and take a moment for ourselves.
If one of your goals for 2024 is to enjoy life more, to experience more joy and inner peace, there’s a simple, no-cost way to accomplish that desire: Meditation. If the idea of meditating sounds foreign to you, or if you believe you’re incapable of meditating, please think again. There are many different ways to meditate, but for simplicity’s sake, let’s start here:
The next time you feel hurried, worried, or pressured, consider hitting the pause button. Sit down, put a “Mona Lisa” smile on your face, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice the weight of your body in the chair and the ground under your feet. Tune in to any sound you hear around you. If something specific is bothering you, notice that, and then allow that thought to become a dandelion seed. Imagine yourself holding the seed in your hand, pursing your lips, and blowing on it. In your mind’s eye, watch the seed as it takes flight and floats away in the breeze. Watch it travel, ever so slowly through the air, until you can no longer see it. Then, bring your attention back to your breath. Notice how relaxed you are. Feel the weight of your body against the seat. Tune in to the sounds around you. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and then return to the world when you’re ready.
Not convinced? Not sure that meditation is right for you? Check out this article.
