Try This if Meditation Isn’t Your Thing
Do you struggle with meditation? Perhaps it feels too esoteric or boring? Maybe you have trouble sitting still and can think of a thousand things that are screaming for your attention…like kids? Or your passion project? Or laundry?
I get it.
In all honesty, I didn’t come to a meditation practice until my mid-thirties. Whereas I wish I would have clued in sooner, my hot mess express-ness was running the show and I was still stuck on the treadmill of striving. Meditation seemed pretty out of reach—and irrelevant.
Meditation has enriched my life substantially and now I can’t imaging NOT doing it, but let’s face it—many people say it’s just not for them.
And you know what? That is fine. There is more than one path to presence.
In fact, I listened to a podcast interview with mindfulness guru Eckhart Tolle a while back and he said something so interesting. He said that more important than taking time out of our day to practice meditation for 10-20 minutes is the simple practice of presence throughout the day.
He described meditation as the dress rehearsal for mindfulness whereas being in the now—totally aware—and awake to the present moment in all of its vibrancy—is the real deal.
In my research, I’ve learned that ancient Eastern cultures actually define mindfulness more as heartfulness—living from a place of wholeheartedness and wonder from moment to moment which I absolutely love. This approach also invites us to drop out of our thinking mind and into our heartspace, which ultimately helps integrate our felt experience.
So my friend, if meditation isn’t for you for whatever reason, it’s okay. There are so many other practices that will support this mindfulness journey we’re all on.
Need a few ideas? Two of my favorite right here:
Go for a walk in nature and listen to some music you love, preferably rhythmic. This is a deeply grounding and calming practice that allows for biolateral movement and mind-body connection. And you’ll get your steps in…
Meal-time breathing breaks also create space for you to stay tethered to the present moment at least three times a day, wherever you are. By practicing a slow inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, you can reset your intentions and feel grounded in the present moment, releasing any unconscious contractions you may be holding in your body. This is so easy and available to you anytime, but I find meal-times to be easy to remember.
It’s really all about being here now. The more we can practice this in whatever way works best, we’re winning.