Why I Meditate
I don’t have visions or hear voices when I meditate. I can’t really say I’ve felt a “sense of oneness.” I’m not striving for enlightenment or trying to achieve a state of perpetual euphoria. And I’ve yet to empty my mind (my favorite misconception about meditation). My reason for meditating is much more practical: I meditate to feel less bad.
You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day,
unless you’re too busy; then you should sit for an hour.
—Zen Saying
I’m still a newbie; I’ve been meditating for about 18 months. In this short time, the effects of my practice have transferred off the cushion and into my daily life. The most beneficial effect has been a decrease in unfavorable emotions and negativity.
Lately, I feel less rushed and anxious. I have a sense of having more time in the day. I have time to sit down and eat meals at the table rather than always eating in my car between appointments. I’m no longer overwhelmed by an unending to-do list and the feeling that I can never catch up. I’m accomplishing more without sacrificing anything. I have more energy. I’m getting more sleep, and usually waking before the alarm sounds. I don’t feel drained at the end of my day. I’m no longer dragging myself through my workouts or turning down social invitations because I’m too wiped out by the weekend.
An unexpected transformation has been the improvement in my self-talk and my evaluation of the external world. My inner critic, or the Gremlins as Maryam Pasha calls them in her TEDx talk, have gotten much less threatening lately. When I’m less critical of myself, I’m less critical in general. Whenever I hear the judgmental voice starting to chime in, I preempt it with one of my mantras “We’re all just doing the best we can” or “Everything always works out in the end.” My mediation practice is teaching me to pause before acting, speaking, emailing, or posting and to ask myself “Why are you here?,” or “What is your goal?” This is my way of making sure my short-term actions align with my long-term goals. I’ve also found these two questions helpful for intercepting negative criticisms. Sincerely living these ideals rather than paying them lip service, eliminates so much unnecessary stress and conflict (internal and external).
Because of my meditation practice, I have more energy, less stress, and less negativity in my life. This is the foundation that allows me to focus on what’s important: happiness, growth, taking care of myself, cultivating relationships, being present for my clients, and enjoying life. I meditate because it makes my days, and my life, happier.
Alicia Cross is a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, and Yoga Instructor with more than 15 years’ experience working with clients in classes and one-on-one. She is a yogi, meditator, vegan, and lifter of heavy things. If you’re ready to discover the strength and peace that comes from within, email Alicia@AliciaCrossTraining.com.
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