Perhaps, like me, it’s brought you back to your childhood or deep into a song you love. Warm, calm places that make you confident and accomplished for just being there.
It’s probably also brought you to places that remind you of your inability to focus or remind you that you sit awkwardly.
Bravo tujis on having the guts and the determination (and a room with a door you can close) to get you to this point.
Here’s how I got it done this week:
Monday - Day 15
What’s up with meditation music? Although I admit it does provoke a relaxing atmosphere, sometimes it feels like it’s the soundtrack to an epic videogame battle, which happens to take place in a spa. Like you wouldn’t be surprised if after the “bell” rang someone screamed out “mortal combat!” and the pace picked up.
Tuesday - Day 16
After reading some of the posts in our Facebook group, it seems clear that most people enjoyed the chakra colors of today’s meditation. I think that’s because when we’re given something to visualize, it makes it easier to concentrate, and you’re less likely to get distracted by the craziness coming in and out of your head. Either that, or colors invoke a sense of nostalgia for childhood, and a time where we didn’t need to meditate in order to remember who and where we are. But I digress.
Wednesday - Day 17
Sitting is complicated. Often, the most comfortable position is the worst one for your body. My favourite is the fetal position, whilst on a slant on my couch, hugging a pillow and with another 2-3 pillows under my head surrounding me with all their fluffy glory. I know it’s not the ideal meditating position but I breathe pretttty well so I’m going with it and highly recommend it.
Thursday - Day 18
You guys, I DOUBLE meditated today. First, was a
yoga class that included a solid meditation at the beginning and end of the session, and then came tuja right before dinner. The rest of the day is a slight blur - in the best way. Sort of like when you remember a childhood summer and don’t really remember anything specific, but you get a glorious warm, happy feeling just thinking about it.
Friday - Day 19
Ways to tell if meditation is working it’s way into your everyday life (Canzer version): You find yourself pausing when you hear a song you like and notice how happy it makes you. Then you notice yourself noticing and give yourself a pat on the back for slowing down, being aware of your surroundings and genuinely taking pleasure from something so simple. Then you
correct your posture, thank your spirit council and clear your mind completely (ideal version).
Saturday - Day 20
Admittedly, there’s at least one point in every meditation practice when I think about what I am going to write in this space today. Which, of course, is the exact opposite of what I should be concentrating on. One helpful way of checking back in is to ask yourself, “where am I right now?” If the answer is “at a meeting that takes place two days from now” or “reciting my clever comeback to that rude person on the street last month”, then it’s time to
come back to here and now – which is almost always better than before or after, anyways.
Sunday - Day 21…?
There exists a line that when once crossed becomes more stressful to find the right time and place to meditate properly than it would be to not do the meditation at all. I didn’t meditate today and instead of pretending I did it and then feeling guilty about it, I chose to be honest about it… and feel guilty.
Folks, things are getting real. With each passing day we are closer to figuring out how to sit properly and how to bring ourselves to the fully present moment. Whether you’re visualizing mortal combat fights in your head or focusing on the transition of colors, everyday is different and, at the very least, you are successful because you have showed up.
Oh, and the clear-cut, straight-to-the-point advice on how to nail a meditation practice?
Here and now. It is the only place to be.
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