I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I’ve taken up meditation. I’ve never tried meditation on its own — but rather as part of yoga classes. Like most people, I have a lot on my daily to-do list…and also on my mind. While I’m normally good at compartmentalization and breaking things down into smaller more digestible tasks, sometimes I feel like my mind is at capacity.
That was certainly the case last week. My mind struggled to cope with the pace I had set for it, and as a result it took a toll on my body. In thinking of ways to calm my mind and body down, I grabbed my iPhone and downloaded a meditation app. Calm offers a free seven day daily meditation practice, which has really helped me connect to my breath.
Since I am a novice at meditation, I often find my mind wandering during the practice and returning to things that happened earlier in the day. Meditation has taught me that it’s okay to let your mind wander — it’s what the mind naturally does. Through meditation, I hope to learn how to quiet my mind when necessary (like right before bed), and how to handle stressful situations better without having them affect my whole body. So far, I’ve enjoyed doing my practice right before bed and have found that it has helped me get to sleep faster while sleeping sounder through the night.
I’m looking forward to continuing my meditation practice and trying some other apps. Next month, look for another post documenting my 30-day journey!
I’d love to hear any tips or suggestions you have for me, and feel free to join me on this journey. Have you ever tried meditation? Are there any apps you recommend?
Great tips! Loved the benefits of a break post too 🙂
xo SideSmile,
Ashley
SideSmile Style
Thanks, Ashley!
Great post! Love these tips!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thanks, Samantha!
I’ve always wondered how people completely silence their minds during mediation. It seems great to be able to do, especially for someone like myself who’s always (over) thinking! I’d love to quiet my mind and thoughts, but the thought of it seems so weird, haha. I guess it’s because I’ve never tried it before. I definitely look forward to reading your post after you’ve tried this for 30 days, I’m curious about how your experience will progress mentally and any tips you’ll be able to share! I hope you’re having a wonderful day so far, it’s starting to REALLY feel like spring!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
It takes a lot of practice, Jalisa! I’ve always felt intimidated when it came to trying meditation. I can never turn my mind off — which isn’t great when I’m trying to get some sleep. But meditation is all about teaching you how to quiet your mind. I’m sure it will take a lot longer than 30 days to get it down, but I’m up for a challenge. Can’t wait to share what I’ve learned on this journey with you all!
This is so crazy! I was just talking to the ladies in my mom’s group about this app. I did a blog post on it a couple of years ago and found that it really helped me relax. Reading your blog post makes me want to try it again. Can’t wait to hear about your experience. 🙂
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I’ve really been enjoyed this app, Kathrine! That’s so funny that you were just discussing it. I’ve found a few more meditation apps to try and I will definitely be sharing some of my favorites next month!
I’ve never tried it, but it will be interesting to see how you get on! Angharad x
welshandwonderful.com
Thanks, Angharad! I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you all next month.
Great way to take up meditation, I have heard it is a journey but worth the reward.
xx Falasha
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Thanks, Falasha!
I’d love to hear how this goes, I’ve always struggled with the singular focus of meditation so I’d love to hear any tips!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Thanks, Heidi! I look forward to sharing some of my tips next month.
This is fabulous, I love it! Hope you have a great day, loves!
XO JNESS
: JenessaSheffield.com
Thanks, Jenessa!
I’m such an over thinker so I could really use this! Great tips!
http://www.flauntandcenter.com
I’m glad you found this post helpful, Tiffany!
I’m the same way Vanessa, I love yoga, and see the benefits of mediatation and my yoga pratice in my life, but I don’t mediate enough outside of class. I am happy for you on your journey, cant wait to read how it goes!
xoxo http://www.touchofcurl.com
Thanks, Colleen! It’s hard to make time for meditation, but I’m excited to embark on this journey.
Very nice! I’m so glad you’re giving Calm a try. I wonder how it is compared to Headspace. I usually try to meditate in the morning before I start my day, as it seems to keep me better grounded during the day. But when I meditate at night, it’s such a great way to clear my head before bed — I sleep better. MAYBE if I’m able to, I’ll try to squeeze in an AM and PM 10 minute session. Anyway, good luck on the 30 day journey, can’t wait to read about it!!
— Dara // http://www.peoniesandhoneybees.com
Thanks, Dara! I plan on giving Headspace a try — so with any luck I will be able to provide you with a comparison. I would love to be able to squeeze meditation into my morning routine. That’s great that you’re able to do in the morning and evening sometimes!
Such a great post! Thanks for sharing!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.
Lovely post! I have struggled with meditation because my mind tends to wander a lot, but i am getting better at just letting things be.
Care to check out and leave a comment on my blog?:) https://vionawambui.wordpress.com/
I’m right there with you! I’ve found it very difficult to quite my mind — especially when I’m meditating. But the more I practice, the easier it has become. Stick with it!