The yoga mat has been rolled out on the perfect spot; the drapes open to let golden streams of sunlight fall through. There's a lovely glow in the room and it seems like the perfect space to sit and do some meditation.
I sit down and fold my legs, just about to shut my eyes when remember the incense! Incense sticks are brought out and swivelled around the space. 'Wow that gorgeous smell of lavender!'
I fold my legs and close my eyes. I'm transported to those fields of purple;
my friends and I sipping wine on our girl’s trip through Provence last summer.
I snap back to the yoga mat. 'Oh yes, meditation! Okay... Okay lets do this!'
I shut my eyes and take a deep breath in and out.
‘What was it they said in that meditation video that day? Was it three breaths in, hold, and then 6 out, or was it 5 breaths in and then 4 out? Dang it! Okay calm down Viveka, this is supposed to be me time, peaceful, relaxing time.'
I take a few deep breaths in and out and I'm finally feeling a sense of calm wash over me. Birds chatter outside the window and cars go by in the distance. I sit there breathing in and out for a few minutes. The door-bell rings and I’m the only one home. Sigh, ‘tomorrow will be better.’
How many of us have struggled with days like these, when we sit down to do that meditation or mindfulness practice but our minds resist; jumping from one thought to the next?
Even the most seasoned of meditators have gone through these days of resistance. From the Dalai Lama to Ekhart Tolle, many spiritual leaders have written about how the mind has a tendency to sway and get distracted. It is through patient practice that this skill of meditation is enhanced.
Meditation does not have to be for long periods of time. When we first begin, five to ten minutes of meditation or mindfulness can be a good place to start. As you get more used to it, the time can be increased to your liking. Even on our everyday commute to work on a bus or in the tube, one can sit in meditation for a few minutes and reduce that stress that builds up over a tiring day.
Another technique to get into a space of mediation is by breathing and letting your mind observe parts of the body from head to toe. Less distracted by external thoughts, the mind can focus and increase awareness to areas that feel relaxed or tense.
Guided mediation is another method of enhancing ones practice. There are many types of guided meditations, online or in person. One is guided through music, speaking or chanting and is given a kind of blueprint for that meditation session.
You can choose from an array of methods to sail through the initial frustrating blocks. You begin to see your mind focus inward for slightly longer periods every time. Like any other skill, once you have been through the initial road bumps, the satisfaction is worth it.
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Viveka Chauhan is a Holistic Health and Wellness facilitator based in London and originally from India. She has a decade of therapeutic skills experience and has trained as a Reiki Master and certified energy healing spiritual facilitator.
Viveka facilitates in person and virtual sessions in Reiki, holistic wellness coaching and tarot work.
Instagram: @vivekachauhan https://www.instagram.com/vivekachauhan
Linked In: Viveka Chauhan https://www.linkedin.com/in/viveka-chauhan/
Website: vivekaholistichealing.com https://www.vivekaholistichealing.com/