Some Thoughts on Meditation

Hi everyone! I hope you all have been doing well these past few weeks. I know this year has been incredibly stressful for some, and in the past few weeks, current events have become an additional source of worry and trauma for many. 

Meditation is always a reliable source of calm and collected thinking in the midst of struggle and stress, but now more than ever it can be an incredibly effective way to keep a sense of inner peace when facing the chaos of the world. Unfortunately, meditation also has a somewhat misleading reputation, and many people shy away from attempting it simply because of the cultural and social expectations we've gathered when it comes to meditative practices. 

So no, you do not have to grow out your hair, don a monastic robe, and find a high mountain peak... you can start small and in the way you find most comfortable. I am by no means an expert on meditation but I've been trying to do it more and more often recently and these are some of the tips I've found most helpful: 

- Find a comfortable and calming place. It doesn't have to be picturesque and serene, as long as it's somewhere you can separate yourself from the stresses of home, work, and social lives, and it shouldn't be the same place you do your work or class assignments. Being outdoors is always helpful, but if you prefer indoors, make sure you have somewhere soft and comfortable to sit. 

- Sit comfortably. Cross-legged, back straight, hands on your knees is the most common pose people think of when they think of meditation, and it is one of the easiest, most comfortable, and best for relaxation. However, any pose that keeps your back straight, core engaged but relaxed, and allows for lowering muscle tension is ideal, and even lying down can be effective sometimes. 

- Avoid forcing yourself into an 'ideal' mental state or thinking about particular things. As was mentioned once before, meditation isn't the absence of thought, but rather a mindful approach to gathering all your thoughts and all your senses and letting them flow freely and become organized. Sit back and let your subconscious take the wheel, and if the first thoughts that come to your mind are anxious, overwhelming, or fearful, take it in stride and allow yourself to confront them. 

- Be mindful - take in your surroundings, welcome sensory input, take the time to appreciate each little thing in your environment and ground yourself in reality. It can be hard to separate yourself from the chaotic thought processes we often encounter, but using mindfulness strategies (like listing things you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel, or progressive muscle relaxation) can help bring you back down to earth and harmonize your thoughts and feelings with your environment. 

There's obviously a lot more you can do to enhance your experience, but these are some core basics I found to be incredibly beneficial, and it's a very good starting point. Even just 5 minutes a day can leave you feeling relaxed, focused, and strong. I hope this can help some of you starting out - please feel free to comment and share any other tips you all might have!