_edited.png)
It is week three of Mental Health Awareness Month and we will focus on meditation as a healing modality. I can hear the sighs, feel the eyeballs rolling, and can imagine some of y'all getting up and leaving the room, but wait, give me a few moments to explain. There are many different types of meditation that can be explored so if sitting in stillness, crossed legged on a pillow, in flowy articles of clothing, hands in yoga mudra is not your thing, I get it. You can meditate in any position, at any time of the day, for any amount of time, and you can do it even if your mind wanders because that's what's minds do! Over time, taking moments to and for yourself to be present whether in stillness or in movement may have the following benefits:
an increase in calmness
an increase in empathy and compassion
an increase in distress tolerance
an increase in self awareness
an increase in attention and focus
While there are many documented benefits of meditation, all meditation practices are not for everyone. Sitting in silence, eyes closed, for a period any number of minutes can, at times, feel harmful if you are not used to being with yourself and your thoughts in this very intentional way. Meditation can be achieved in various forms and there are many different ways to practice the art of being present, in the now, with you. Pick one or two of these meditative practices, do a bit of research, and commit to practicing them for a week to see what it feels like:
moving meditation (walking, showering, eating)
loving kindness meditation (used to promote compassion)
body scan meditation (used for stress relief/relaxation)
focused meditation (counting breaths, intentional gaze, guided)
visualization meditation (container, calm/safe space)
Comments