The Wild Flower Journals

In the chaos of everyday life, meditation stands out as a serene island of tranquility. By focusing on our breath we can quiet the noise of incessant thoughts and emerge more centered and calm. Delving into the practice of meditation opens the door to improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and an overall sense of well being that nourishes all aspects of life. It’s one of the mainstays of my daily routine that I started few years ago.  Like anything it took little to become an everyday activity but it’s one I’ve come to cherish.

First started off meditating by trying to do it on my own to relaxing music.  Would sit in quiet space with soothing music playing in background while trying to focus on breath. Which can work but it wasn’t quite what I was hoping to accomplish. Wanted to explore more breath techniques and forms of meditation so tried a few meditation apps available on my iPhone. Initially felt drawn to Headspace app but eventually went with Calm app. By the way I do not get incentives from Calm just simply talking about what I like prefer.

The calm app offers daily ten minute mediations by various individuals, as well as ones tailored to an assortment of topics.  As well as meditation series, relaxing music and bedtime stories. Plus it teaches breathing techniques and different ways to meditate.

I’ve always been a rather energetic, hyper type personality so the thought of meditation seemed intimidating not to mention improbable.  Yet with patience I have preserved with the meditation.  Some days are still not perfect especially those where thoughts can’t seem to shut off.  Yet have come to appreciate and look forward to meditating.  Often if I fail to get through the first meditation due to distraction I will repeat it.

When it comes to meditation I find it helpful to focus on the breath, number or word and object in room can even be helpful.  One of my favorites is a simple counting meditation, such as breathing in and out then counting to one and doing that until you reach ten.  Then repeat if desired.  Find it very helpful way of letting all the thoughts that flow through the mind go.

Another favorite is to listen to ocean sounds, when the waves come to shore breath in, when they go out to sea breath out. The most important aspect of meditation is finding sights or sounds to focus on to in essence shut off the flow of thoughts. Or if it’s a high stress day where thoughts feel difficult to stop then imagine putting each thought onto a feather and letting them float off.

These small techniques can make a big difference when it comes to meditation.  Everything involves taking small steps to create sustainable meditation practice and one thats works for each person based on their lifestyle.