You're Not Broken
You’re out of rhythm. Let’s change that
If you’ve ever tried to meditate and thought, “I’m just not good at this”. I want to offer you a new perspective:
You’re not broken, and you’re not bad at being present. You’re likely just out of rhythm with your inner nature.
If you've never meditated before, there are some great reasons to give it a try. It can help improve your mood and your health all in one. But for many, the only obstacle is getting started. After all, how do you shut off your mind?
You don't have to! Meditation isn't about not thinking, it's about becoming aware of your thoughts and regulating them. These tips will help you learn how to meditate your way and experience this practice's physical and mental benefits.
- Leave expectations behind
You're not going to solve all the problems in your life off the bat. Just try to go into each meditation session with the thought that you'll be getting to know yourself better.
- Pick a time to meditate
Like any habit, meditation will be easier to establish if you keep to the same time each day. Whether it's in the morning or at night before bed, keep the time consistent for when you meditate.
- Meditate where you feel comfortable
Some people find sitting is the best way while others prefer to lie down. Make a space for meditation that is comfortable for you. Ideally, it should be uncluttered and make you feel at peace.
- Feel your breath
Start with deep breathing first to relax your mind and body. Then you can breathe at an average rate, focusing on the ins and outs of the air to calm yourself.
- Acknowledge your thoughts
The hardest part of meditation for beginners is understanding that you still have thoughts. Acknowledge them, good or bad, and let them go as you stay focused.
- Put on meditation music
Some people meditate in silence, but for others, it feels impossible. There is no one right way to meditate. For many, meditation music is the answer. Solfeggio frequencies can help you tune into yourself better. Others prefer guided meditations. Try each of these out to see which one makes you feel most comfortable.
- Don't give up on it
Meditation works best when you make it a routine in your life. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your overall health for mind and body. Start with 5 minutes a day and increase the time gradually.
Even when bad emotions pop up during your meditation, stick with it. Remember that thoughts and emotions are fleeting. Meditation helps you deal with them more productively.
This is the start of a FREE weekly challenge that will be posted in the substack chat feature. You can access this through your browser or through your app. This is the best way for us to have a community without algorithms getting in the way of talking to each other.
The first weeks challenge is already up and it discusses apps to help you meditate. You’ll find the link here:
The next newsletter will be on my next podcast, which this challenge compliments. I’m still putting the finishing touches on it, but I’m sure you’ll appreciate how this all ties into your health.
Stay well,
Amanda Merry