Me? Meditate?

Over the years I have come to see the act of sitting down in silence as a gift I am giving myself. But I did not always see it thus. For so long my self-worth was wrapped up in how much I could accomplish in a day. The very act of slowing down felt wrong.

In order to appreciate the beauty of silence–quiet–stillness-meditation (call it what you will!), we might start by considering that each of us is much more, much deeper, much bigger than what we DO and how we FEEL and how others SEE US. 

Coming to a place of stillness, closing our eyes and simply breathing, we are reminded of the beautiful simplicity of being alive. Not to say that our lives are simple. But there is something powerful that is always there, that we can always connect to if we choose to do so.

There is an energy that is so vast and all-encompassing and yet so basic and nourishing, that we can plug into when we accept – for several seconds or minutes – to just BE. Putting your focus on your breath can help you connect to that universal energy and stillness.

To just be, the invitation is to take a break from [doing] [worrying] [eating] [talking] [insert your favorite avoidance method].

Just for a few minutes, put everything else on hold.

If, when you sit down to embrace silence, you find noise and static, THIS IS OK – try to watch the static with the eyes of a kind-hearted observer. Welcome it like the Raum der Stille  welcomes any and everyone within its walls. The static will eventually give way to more and more quiet. Practice helps.

You deserve this. Your mind, your body, your spirit, will thank you.

* You'll find excellent resources and links for meditation and relaxation in the Self-Care section of the AiR Supplement.