Hi Friends. By now, you've at least heard of meditation. Perhaps you've tried it for yourself. While it is hard to contest the growing science on the benefits of practicing meditation, many struggle with getting started or staying with it. Please, don't feel alone.
Our culture hadn't embraced slowing down and often still doesn't. This is not a concept that most of us were familiar with and, in fact, had been convinced that slowing down meant we were lazy or just not working hard enough. We are now recognizing the ill-effects of this mindset; we see it in the dysfunction of our bodies and minds.
Some of us tried meditation in hopes of beginning to slow down and care for ourselves differently only to find that we became frustrated that we just couldn't seem to catch on. We were instructed to "clear the mind." While some people do find they are able to embrace meditation and immediately find calm, this poor instruction left the rest of us thinking meditation wasn't our thing. What is truly saddening is that some people are frustrated enough to leave it forever.
I was almost one of aforementioned group. I truly struggled. I knew this was something that I wanted and needed though. As with other things I don't understand but find intriguing, I began to read and study it. My understanding and perspective grew, and I began to see that my expectations and tendencies for perfectionism had taken over. Meditation was never intended to be about "getting it right." I realized that meditation is called a practice for very good reasons. I began to practice. I allowed myself the grace that is essential for learning, for growing. I even took a course to become a meditation instructor.
Fast forward to the present. I love sharing meditation with others. The benefits have been unparalleled for me, and I want others who may have had similar experiences to know that meditation really IS for you too.
With that, I share a short, guided meditation with the intention of relaxation. I hope this is helpful for you, wherever you may be in your own practice. Be well.
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