Busy Mind? Here's How I Learned to Calm It Down

Have you ever looked through social media and seen photographs of individuals in perfect lotus poses, seeming to radiate inner peace? Maybe you've attempted meditation before, only to find your mind racing with to-do lists and fears. If so, you are not alone. Meditation is sometimes depicted as a mystical condition of perfect mental stillness, but the truth is far more approachable.

Here's the truth: meditation requires practice. It is not about reaching zen master-level calm, but rather about developing a new connection with your mind. It's about learning to watch the continual chatter in your thoughts without becoming consumed.

Imagine your thoughts as a crowded marketplace. There are vendors selling tensions, fears, and to-do lists. Some calmer sellers provide moments of inspiration and delight. Meditation prepares you to traverse this marketplace, noting the noise but without being fixated in any one stall.

Why Meditation, Despite the Initial Challenges?

Stress Less, Live More: Chronic stress is a health wrecker. Meditation helps you step back from the stress spiral by allowing you to observe your thoughts and choose your response. With regular practice, you'll find yourself reacting more calmly to stressful situations.

1. Sharpen Your Focus: For a world that needs no introduction, we live around so many distractions. By choosing to meditate you will be able to improve your attention leading to increased focus which is a requirement for succeeding at work, relationships or when enjoying a cup of coffee.

2. Boost Your Self-Awareness: meditation is referred to as a withdrawal and spending dedicated time alone or focusing on one’s mind. During this period, you will be able to see and experience your thoughts and feelings without the need for judgment. Additionally, there will be an increase in your internal understanding of ideas such as perception, who you are, your values and things that matter to you. and things that matter to you.

My Learnings From All These Years Of Meditation:

Meditation Is a Practice That Takes Time and Effort.

From my own experience, I started meditation with skepticism. I found myself restless, my mind flooded with worries and to-do lists. But over time, through regular practice, I noticed subtle shifts. Meditation, I realized, is a skill that needs to be developed with patience and persistence.

There Is No Right or Wrong Way to Meditate

I initially like many people worried that I was not meditating correctly. The truth is, there is no single right way to meditate. What matters most is focusing on relaxation and being present in the moment. Whether you're sitting, lying down, or walking, what counts is the intention and the practice of being mindful.

Benefits of Meditation

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Meditation helps manage stress and anxiety, giving you tools to observe your thoughts without getting entangled in them.
• Improved Focus: By training your attention muscles, meditation helps you concentrate better on your tasks, enhancing productivity and mindfulness in daily activities.
• Greater Self-Awareness: Meditation fosters a deeper understanding of yourself, helping you align with your values and what truly matters in life.

Tips for Getting Started with Meditation

• Start Small: Begin with 10–15 minute sessions and gradually increase the duration as you get more comfortable.
• Find Your Comfort Zone: Choose a posture that allows you to relax with a straight spine. It can be sitting on a chair, on the floor with or without back support and even lying down.
• Embrace the "Monkey Mind": Your mind will wander, and that's okay. When you notice your thoughts drifting, gently acknowledge them and bring your attention back to your breath.

Guided Meditation is Your Friend: There are countless guided meditations available online and in apps. These can be a great way to ease into meditation, especially for beginners.

Make it a Habit: Consistency is key. Aim to meditate daily, even if it's just for a few minutes. Schedule it into your calendar like any other appointment.

Try Different Meditation Techniques

Art of Living’s Sudarshan Kriya: A definite technique to try for its power, Sudarshan Kriya was developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and is taught by the Art of Living Foundation. It is a practice involving specific breathing patterns that aid in letting go of stress, increasing your mind clarity and reaching a better general well-being. It is known for its ability to harmonize your body, your mind and even your emotions – a great way to practice and improve your meditation methods.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: There are different meditation techniques, from focusing on your breath to focusing on different body parts or repeating a mantra (a calming word or phrase). You can explore different methods and find what resonates with you.

The Importance of a Motivational Tool

Creating a meditation schedule can help you stay committed. Rewarding yourself for sticking to it can make the practice more enjoyable and sustainable. Whether it's treating yourself to a favorite snack or taking a relaxing bath, find little ways to celebrate your consistency.

Conclusion

Just remember, the aim of meditation isn’t to stop your thoughts, get rid of or chase them all away. The purpose is to learn how to observe your thoughts in a kind and somewhat detached manner. This practice helps in creating a space where you can choose how to respond to everyday situations instead of being driven by them. Take a deep breath, hug your hopes and fears, and let’s go on this exciting journey into the depths of our inner universe.

Both daily meditation and Sudarshan Kriya can allow you to reconsider your attitude to the world of thoughts and welcome a more peaceful and mindful life.