"Why have I not been practicing [meditation] all of my life?"

“I’m a lot more patient and calmer since I started to meditate. The only question I find myself asking is ‘Why have I not been practicing this all of my life?’”

Hi, Friends.

The quote above is from a new Mindful Movement student. Here’s the deeper meaning behind their words:

Meditation is not a “miracle” cure. It’s a practice that influences you every time you reserve those precious minutes of quiet alone time.  And yet, there are many miracles to be had inside this soothing practice of reflection and breathing.

In the book, "Altered Traits", authors Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson say this about meditation:

"The after is the before for the next during.  To unpack this idea, after refers to enduring changes from meditation that last long beyond the practice session itself.  Before means the condition we are in at baseline, before we start meditating.  During is what happens as we meditate, temporary changes in our state that pass when we stop meditating.

In other words, repeated practice of meditation results in lasting traits--the after."

When we begin to meditate, we may feel a bit uncomfortable or awkward at first. You know you’re onto something if that’s true for you. As a new meditator, it’s crucial to normalize your slight discomfort, your urge to fidget, or your inability to sit quietly for more than just a few minutes.

Meditation still works--even at the beginning when you’re learning how to simply BE with yourself. 

Once you get past the machinations of your “monkey” mind, you can stop judging it, and get about the business of slower breathing, body relaxation, and lightly observing your thoughts. And overtime, your beginning state is altered as the quote above suggests.

It’s not as though you wake up one morning and you’re “cured” of whatever is ailing you after meditation. It’s more like you’ll get into a circumstance that used to send you off the rails, and notice that it doesn’t hold the same drama for you.

Or, that mid-afternoon irritable slump you typically notice feels less stressful and more stable. 

If you’re a parent, you may notice that you’re more open and calm and not as snappy with your kiddos when they’re out of sorts.

Above all, remember that it’s okay to be a BEGINNER when you start meditating. Really, there is no other option than to start at the beginning.  There’s no striving for expert status in meditation--there is only learning to get comfortable with the present moment. (Even the most seasoned meditators remain in practice with their meditation--the only destination is NOW.)

I always say, we wouldn't expect to sit down at the piano and play Bach on our first try.  The same is true for the skill of meditation--learning requires patience, persistence, and compassion for yourself.

I believe in the compounding benefits of meditation and that's why I am offering our new Foundations of Meditation and Mindfulness workshop for FREE! I hope you’ll join us to discover what type of meditation practice works the best for you, even if you struggle to sit still or find 10 minutes of quiet time and space.

Together, we’ll learn a little bit of science, some practical strategies for getting started and staying consistent, get inspired, and we will try several different meditation methods, so that you can find the style that helps you decompress the most.

Remember, you cannot expect progress if you do not begin. Beginning is the most significant accomplishment--the gentle (but remarkable) results will come to you almost as if by magic (but it’s the “magic” of showing up with and for yourself a few times per week.)

Here’s the link to register. I look forward to connecting in calm and self-care.  This FREE workshop is happening live on Thursday, October 21 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm EST.  All registered participants will receive access to the material a week after the live event as a 7 day course.  

We feel meditation is so extremely valuable in a time that we all could use a little support for mental health, and that's why we have decided to offer this workshop completely free of charge.  If you feel called to make a donation to our scholarship fund, it would be greatly appreciated.

Sara and Les

The Mindful Movement

PS: Here’s the enrollment link for when you’re ready to join us. In the meanwhile, take good care.

Additional Resources:

Members Oasis for: Unlimited access to all Mindful Movement Meditations and Hypnosis Practices; Exclusive Members Only Content added EVERY month; Practice anytime, anywhere.

Purchase your favorite Meditation and Hypnosis practices from the Mindful Movement. You can download an MP3 file to listen to anytime, anywhere with no internet access necessary.

A personalized hypnotherapy session can support you in making a change you desire.  It would be my honor to help you through the process of change that you are looking for.

Let us know how we can help.  Please feel to leave a comment with any other suggestions, comments, or questions for the community!