Diet, sleep, movement, hydration, and stress management are the areas of wellness we dive head first into with our clients in our Couple’s Coaching Program. We are frequently met with initial resistance, especially around meditation. So we’ve decided to dive into why we recommend meditation and how we approach the common belief that one is not “good” at meditating.
What is Meditation
Meditation is defined as engaging in contemplation, reflection or a mental exercise such as focusing on one’s breathing or repeating a mantra. The earliest records of meditation practice date from approximately 1500 years BC and it is practiced across the globe.
Meditation is a mindfulness practice and mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging + accepting one’s feelings, thoughts + bodily sensations.
Why Meditation
The benefits of meditation are numerous. Scientists, doctors, and wellness professionals are witnessing the incredible positive impacts daily. Even for those that practice just 3-5 minutes a day, they are likely to experience:
- Reduced stress and stress-inducing symptoms, such as inflammation and anxiety
- Enhanced self-awareness, drawing attention to areas of one’s life they may want to improve
- Improved attention span and ability to focus
- Increased compassion for others
- A more positive outlook on life
- Higher quality sleep
How to Meditate
You can meditate anywhere, anytime. It can be done with a guided meditation app, like Insight Timer or on your own. It can be done with movement or with stillness. There is no wrong way to meditate. The goal is to pause and allow your mind to rest and be present.
There are no rules. There is no wrong way. All meditation and mindfulness is, is being in the now. But if right now this still feels overwhelming, that is ok. Start tiny. Start by just noticing.
Try this short invitation:
Start by sitting with yourself in the most comfortable position whether that is sitting on a chair, a cushion or laying down, for a few quiet minutes in stillness. No goal, no agenda. Close your eyes. Take 3 super deep breaths. Breath in and out through your nose and notice your belly expand and deflate.
Notice how you are feeling. Are you happy, anxious, overwhelmed, joyful? Whatever you are feeling, just notice those feelings. Take 3 more breaths. Slowly blink your eyes open and notice again, how do you feel?
Remember, just 3-5 minutes a day has the opportunity to transform your life. Give it a try.
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Blog by Samantha Coffin – Fertility Coach at Fab Fertile Inc.
