By now, we have all heard about the scientifically proven benefits of meditation on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Meditation is this key in the Yoga system that allows us to be very still and present in the mind and body so to find Ananda or bliss within ourselves and the world around us. This is a state whereby time moves very slowly and you can witness your heartbeat, or a butterfly gently gliding through the air; noticing the beauty of all things working together to create life and also feeling life itself. When we can witness how great of a gift life is within ourselves by experiencing a oneness with life – this is referred to in the yoga system as the Anandamaya Kosha — the innermost layer of the embodied self.
However, what hasn’t been discussed very often is how hard it may be to begin the practice of meditation with the busy society we are currently living in. What I have learned in my studies in Yoga Therapy and Integrative Health Coaching is that not one of us are the same, and our practices to health and well-being are also different. Many of us are very different in regards to how we approach and navigate through our meditation journeys. Meditation has a certain stereotype attached to it; you’re sitting silently on a rock in the middle of a field for longer than any of us typically have ever sat, with Mala beads around your neck. While, if we could practice this way it would be wonderful – however, for many of us that is not practical and might discourage people from trying meditation.
What we need to start chatting about is how different people achieve things in different ways. There definitely will be some people who are able to find that quiet spot and have no trouble dropping into a silent meditation or chanting while counting Mala beads. That leaves the rest of us. Others will need to have movement to get frenetic energy/anxieties out of their bodies so that they are more able to allow their minds to find quietness to meditate. Other people who experience depression or a low self-worth are usually more successful at meditating after some heart space opening movement or bodywork. People who struggle with addictions are often successful with chanting meditations; using the same mantra or short phrase of words usually associated with a certain god(dess) or affirmation said out loud, sung, or said quietly to oneself over and over to bring the mind to a state ready for meditation. This practice is most commonly used with Mala beads which are much like a rosary, but have 108 beads. While others will need to be guided or take themselves through sensitization before meditation so that they can more easily find the space to meditate for them.
In some traditions it is suggested one should meditate during less hectic times of the day: early mornings around 5am or late afternoons 5/6pm. But really, it’s whatever part of the day works best for you. There is no bad time to start to practice meditation! The same holds true with how frequently one meditates; if you can and have the space for daily practice that’s great, but if you’re only able to do once a week that’s great too! A well-designed Yoga practice will take you through the layers of the embodied self-starting from the outside and then guiding you inward. Once you find what works for you, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of meditation and be a life-long practitioner. Just like many new endeavors, you’ll realize meditation is achievable once you try it and practice it consistently!
-Stephanie Gaylord
Founder of Roots Holistic Wellness, Chatham, NY
https://rootsholisticwellness.com/