I completed 365 days of in a row of meditation a few years ago. I used to think the practice was silly, but I decided to sit for thirty minutes every day anyway. There was no secret awakening or profound transformation, but I found a peaceful calmness that changed my mind.
I tried many different methods when I started out. I used phone apps, read books, took classes, and explored various religious traditions. I attempted guided sessions, body scans, focused attention, and sometimes just sat doing absolutely nothing. People told me there was no right way to do it, which frustrated me at first, but I eventually realized they were correct. I developed a hybrid approach that works for me. I wake up, find a comfortable chair, practice belly breathing, and count my breaths until my restless mind settles down.
Once I am calm, I move into visualization. I have four major objectives in my life, like winning a long distance race in my age group, and I imagine what achieving them will feel like. After that, I just sit still and let my mind flow. This healing time has brought subtle and slow benefits that accumulate into something amazing. It reduces my stress, improves my emotional health, and helps me stay grounded despite the whirlwind around us.
“The benefits of this meditation process have been subtle and slow, but each improvement taken in total accumulates to something pretty amazing.”
I no longer just try to get through the practice so I can check a box. I look forward to the time I have to sit quietly, and it has become a highlight of my day. I have made a lifelong commitment to meditate every day for the rest of my life. If you want to find your own peaceful calmness, find a comfortable chair tomorrow morning and simply count your breaths to ten.
