Shhh, come on in but no knocking please! The first time I ever meditated was 8 years ago at Miraval. There were about six of us in a room and when I introduced myself, I also apologized in advance if I giggled because this was so foreign to me as I admitted that I never sat still for 45 minutes, awake. Thankfully, I didn't giggle but a new Door did open for me.
The primary reason I meditate is to become aware of my thoughts. I have learned that for the only way to make any positive shifts in my life, I need to get real about what I'm thinking. The only way to do this is to be quiet and notice what's going on inside your noggin.
Meditation is really easy and it's also really difficult. Huh? My first formal training was with a TM teacher in Concord about 4-5 years ago. I'm pretty sure I googled something like 'easy meditation technique'. I found the Transcendental Meditation site and signed myself up for 'effortless meditation' which consisted of meeting with your teacher for 4 days in a row. Then, you just have to sit with your eyes closed twice a day for 20 minutes silently saying your unique mantra. Sweet!
Then in the winter of 2014, I took an 8 week MBSR course in Dedham. Here, I was taught other forms of meditation: body scan (lying down = nap time!), yoga, walking, guided. My 11 year old daughter joined me too because I wanted to open this door for her at an early age.
I also have a bunch of apps on my phone, put alarms to remind me to meditate, told people about it and bought props: a meditation pillow, blanket, gong thing, incense and music.
All of this and I'd give myself a C average. I strive to get an A+. Meditating is not for pansies. How can something so easy be so difficult? Because when you get in your head, it's pretty much a shit-show and you have to start acknowledging your thoughts and then letting them just pass on by. I would NEVER say any of the things I tell myself out loud or to anyone else and amazed how my internal dialogue never shuts the frig up! While I'm fairly laid back, my operating system is to be busy. I can barely watch TV for more than 5 minutes and I generally think going to the movies is a waste of time (miss 3 hours of doing?). I remember asking a teacher 'what do monks actually do if they just sit most of the day?' Donkey.
I make myself busy to avoid the uncomfortable silence. Yet, when I make the time to be quiet, everything is so much better and way more clear. Not having enough time is simply an excuse. And a lame one at best.
When we are busy, we react. When we go within, we respond. React vs. Respond - no brainer. I want to walk through Door #6 every single day. Please join me or let me join you when I'm struggling.
With love,
Katie