Meditation can seem like an elusive practice, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a negative mindset. If you've ever found it challenging to sit still and focus on your breath, you're not alone. This blog post offers a fresh perspective on how to ease into meditation and discover its profound benefits, even when it feels impossible.
When I first heard about meditation, I couldn't help but be skeptical. The idea of sitting quietly, breathing, and expecting all my wishes to come true felt unrealistic. Like many others, I struggled with the practice. My mind would race, and I quickly became uncomfortable, frustrated, and self-critical. It was like trying to hold my breath underwater—manageable for a few seconds, but then panic would set in.
I realized that I needed to approach meditation differently. Instead of viewing it as a rigid practice with high expectations, I decided to think of it as something more natural and relaxed. I needed to stop labeling it as "meditation" and drop any preconceived notions. Instead, I focused on simply relaxing—something I already knew how to do well.
I discovered that the key to making meditation approachable was to start with what I was already good at: napping. I set up a peaceful space in my home, informed my family that I was going to "meditate" (which they jokingly knew meant taking a nap), and simply allowed myself to lie down and relax. There were no expectations or pressures. I just focused on my breath and let myself drift off if that’s what happened.
At first, my thoughts would flood in like water rushing down a drain, but instead of fighting them, I observed them without judgment. Over time, I committed to this practice, doing it when I was naturally tired—first thing in the morning, during the day, and right before bed. This made the process easier, as I wasn't trying to meditate when I was wide awake and full of energy.
As I became more comfortable, I transitioned from lying down to sitting in a chair, keeping my head tilted slightly forward. I still focused on relaxing and breathing, reminding myself that I was just chilling, not trying to achieve anything profound. Surprisingly, this approach led me to experience what I call the "sweet spot"—a state of stillness where I felt tingling sensations and a sense of being plugged into something greater. This wasn’t something I had read about; it was a personal discovery that made meditation exciting and rewarding.
Now, let’s put emotions aside and take a look at the science of meditation. The primary purpose of meditation is to help us step out of survival mode—those feelings of worry, fear, anger, and distrust that keep us stuck in a state of high alert. When we're in this mode, our brains are operating in a beta frequency, where we're constantly analyzing and reacting to the world around us.
By slowing down our breath during meditation, we begin to shift from this analytical state to a more relaxed, subconscious state, often referred to as the alpha frequency. This shift allows us to access a deeper part of ourselves, where we can let go of old beliefs and tap into new possibilities. It’s like switching channels from a limited, known reality to something expansive and new.
Understanding the science behind meditation transformed my approach. I realized that by simply slowing down and focusing on my breath, I could change my brainwaves and, in turn, my life. This practice helped me become more aware of my body and mind, allowing me to catch old patterns of anxiety and tension before they could take over.
Meditation isn’t just about achieving goals or following trends; it’s about connecting with your true self. It offers the space between you and the outside world, giving you the freedom to respond rather than react. This space is where you can find your true potential and inner light, and that’s something worth making time for.
As you continue your meditation journey, remember that you are not your body, emotions, or thoughts—you are light. So start shining and give yourself the gift of meditation.
If you want to explore this topic further, I highly recommend Joe Dispenza's book Becoming Supernatural. It offers deep insights into how you can connect with your untapped potential and live a more fulfilling life.
Until next time, keep shining.
Marisa Grieco, Your Mystical Guide
