A Space for Stillness
Matthew Henry
I used to be a daily meditator. It’s so amazing for the mind. Juicy. A salve that smooths out the cracked edges of living.
The benefits, of course, are enormous! Lowered heart-rates, better focus, better able to deal with stress, better sleep, etc.
And schools are taking notice, as well. Some are incorporating short 5 to 10 minute meditation moments into the school day, and they’re finding that kids are calmer and more focused.
Meditation really is an amazing thing.
Moments of stillness, moments of sitting, moments of clearing the mind…
And there are apps to help you out, if you need it. I tried both Headspace and Calm; but I fell in love with Calm. It gives you daily 10 minute meditations (for free), and you can subscribe if you want; to unlock music, sleep stories, and more meditation options.
But the free meditations are just lovely.
Daily meditation is something that I’m trying to get back into my life. So, the other day, I was sitting and listening, and attempting to meditate. The daily calm was meandering into my ears and the sun was warming my face.
And all I wanted to do was jump up and start my day. It was like an explosion of movement opened up inside of me and I could barely contain the energy.
What in the world was going on? As a full-time working mom, I was craving this time of stillness! I was actively seeking it out. So why, in this moment that I finally carved out, was I itching to move, to be elsewhere? Anywhere else?
Because 21st century America is all about not being still, not slowing down, not sleeping, always plugged in and scrolling…
Always!
It’s like we’re failures if we’re still. Like somehow we are less-than, if we stop, put down the phone, turn off Alexa…and just be…
But through meditation, we re-member stillness. We re-member breathe. We re-member what it feels like to unplug, to turn off, to just be….
And our minds and bodies just simply don’t know what to do with that.
And that’s okay.
What I remembered during my explosive meditation that day was this:
- Your mind will wander; it’s your job to bring it back to the breath. It’s that simple.
- Meditation isn’t about having a blank mind; it’s about learning to work within reality. And sometimes that reality is crazy energy and “to-do” lists going through you head. And that is okay. Return to the breath. Return…always return.
- Meditation is about letting go of expectations of perfection and stillness. Keep coming back. Keep getting still, and your body and mind will remember. Just give them a chance.
Another lesson learned. Another moment of stillness…or wiggly energy.
Whatever you bring to your meditation is just fine.
Show up. Sit. Breathe….
You won’t be disappointed!
Call to Action: Try a daily calm session.