How I Found Meditation

Back in 2006, I stumbled upon meditation, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. That year was a bit of a rollercoaster for me; I was dealing with a cloud of sadness that just wouldn’t lift. I felt like I was stuck in a rut, and no matter how hard I tried to shake off the blues, they clung to me like a stubborn shadow. My good friend, who always had my back, noticed my struggles and was starting to get worried. She could see I was in a tough spot and, wanting to help, invited me over to her place. I went, half hopeful and half sceptical, wondering what she had up her sleeve to cheer me up.

When I got to her house, her warm smile and cosy vibe instantly made me feel better. She had a surprise planned, something she thought might help me shift from my sad state to a more balanced one.

She had transformed her bathroom into a healing sanctuary just for me, meticulously curating every detail to create an atmosphere of tranquillity and comfort.

The moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped by the soothing scents of essential oils wafting through the air, each fragrance carefully chosen for its calming properties.

Soft, ambient lighting illuminated the space, casting a warm glow that made the room feel inviting and serene, while flickering candles added an extra layer of warmth and intimacy. Plush towels, neatly arranged, were within easy reach, inviting me to indulge in a pampering experience. A carefully placed selection of plants thrived in the corners, their vibrant green leaves contributing to the overall sense of rejuvenation and life within the sanctuary.

A lavish soaking tub was prepared, brimming with warm water and bubbles, with an enchanting mist wafting through the air, offering a rejuvenating retreat from everyday stress. A plush, welcoming bathrobe was hanging nearby, poised to wrap me in comfort after a lengthy soak.

Every aspect of the space was thoughtfully designed, from the gentle music playing in the background to the delicious Archers and Lemonade resting on the side, all aimed at promoting relaxation and healing.

For that moment it was more than just a bathroom; it was a personal sanctuary, a haven where I could unwind and reconnect with myself, surrounded by the love and care she had poured into creating this special place just for me.

My friend, with her usual enthusiasm for mindfulness and self-reflection, informed me that I had a precious hour to myself while she busied herself with work downstairs.

She encouraged me to take this time as an opportunity to immerse myself in the present moment, suggesting that I focus intently on the sensory experiences surrounding me. She told me to concentrate on what I could see, observing the play of light filtering through the window, casting gentle shadows across the room, and highlighting the intricate details of the objects around me.

She emphasized the importance of engaging my sense of smell. Finally, my friend urged me to listen to the meditation she had prepared for me.

As I lay there, a body scan meditation played softly in the background, guiding me on a journey of relaxation and self-awareness. The calming voice invited me to focus on each part of my body, starting from my toes and moving upward.

With every word, I became more aware of the tension I was holding—my shoulders were tight, my jaw was clenched, and I could feel a knot of anxiety in my stomach.

The gentle reminders to breathe deeply and visualize warmth spreading through my limbs helped me release some of that stress. With each breath, I consciously relaxed those tense muscles, inviting a wave of peace and tranquillity to wash over me.

The meditation not only helped me recognize the physical signs of my stress but also created a space to let go of the worries that had built up throughout the day. As I continued, I felt a deeper connection to my body, realizing how often I ignored these sensations.

After spending about 40 minutes in the bathroom, I emerged feeling entirely different from when I went in. As I exited, it felt as though a burden had been lifted from my shoulders, with relief enveloping me like a soft wave. I understood that those 40 minutes had provided not just a physical refresh but also an essential mental reset, altering my perspective and readying me to tackle any upcoming challenges. I felt calm, neutral and able to deal with life again.

This wasn't the beginning of my regular meditation practice, but rather a significant turning point in my journey towards mindfulness and self-discovery.

In my late teens and early twenties, I found myself in a phase of rebellion against anything that might be deemed beneficial or constructive. This period was characterized by a profound sense of scepticism towards practices that promised personal growth or emotional healing.

It wasn't until about a decade later, possibly influenced by the rise of the internet and the wealth of information it provided, that I began to explore the world of mindfulness more seriously. During this time, I encountered various resources that introduced me to the benefits of breathing techniques and guided meditations.

These practices emerged as powerful tools to help manage my anxiety, especially as I re-joined the workforce and faced the pressures that come with being a full time working mother. The transition back into a structured work environment was challenging, and I quickly realized that juggling work and motherhood were more demanding than I had anticipated.

Guided meditations, accessible via numerous apps and online platforms, offered me structured support that made the practice more approachable and less daunting. I found that these meditative practices not only eased my anxiety but also nurtured a deeper self-connection, enabling me to explore my emotions and thoughts in a secure and supportive setting.

Establishing a regular meditation routine took time; it required patience and commitment, and it was a journey marked by both difficulties and benefits.

Initially, I found it difficult to quiet my mind, as thoughts would race through my head, often pulling me away from the present moment. However, I learned that this was a common experience for many beginners, and with time, I began to understand that the act of returning my focus to my breath or my chosen mantra was, in itself, a form of meditation. Each session, whether it lasted five minutes or an hour, contributed to a gradual deepening of my awareness and understanding of mindfulness in my life.

As I continued to practice, I discovered that mindfulness is not just a technique to be employed during meditation; it is a way of being that can permeate every aspect of my daily life. I started to notice the small moments that often went unnoticed.

I also aim to practice mindfulness during mundane activities, turning these moments into opportunities for reflection and presence.

This ongoing commitment to meditation has not only improved my mental clarity and emotional resilience but has also fostered a deeper connection with myself and the world around me.

So what is meditation and why is it so helpful?

Meditation is about tuning in and clearing out the noise to find some mental clarity and emotional balance. It's been around for thousands of years, showing up in cultures worldwide as a way to grow spiritually, discover ourselves, and just chill out.

There are lots of different ways to meditate, like mindfulness, breathwork, loving-kindness meditation, and guided visualization, each with its own perks. But they all aim for the same thing: helping you connect more deeply with yourself and the present moment.

When you make meditation a regular part of your life, you can feel more peaceful and calm, tackle stress and anxiety better, sharpen your focus, and boost your overall well-being.

Research even shows that meditation can change the way your brain works, helping you manage your emotions and bounce back from tough times. Plus, it’s linked to some great health benefits, like lower blood pressure, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.

The idea that you can completely clear your mind is a myth; it's not achievable. Meditation involves observing the activity in your mind without becoming involved. At times, I've had thoughts emerge during meditation that I needed to hear. The key was to observe these thoughts without engaging with them, then let them go and return my attention to meditation.

I began with a quick 2-minute breathing exercises to centre my thoughts and calm my mind. Sitting comfortably, I felt a wave of clarity, preparing me for the tasks ahead. This simple practice demonstrated how a brief pause for intentional breathing can significantly enhance my mental state and well-being.

Remember, it's normal to become distracted during meditation; the important part is recognizing this and refocusing your attention.

Consistent practice will become easier, and it's also crucial to establish yourself in a space where you won't be interrupted.

You can dress up your meditations with incense or room sprays to create the right ambience that enhances your overall experience. The use of incense, with its rich variety of scents, can evoke feelings of tranquillity and peace, making it easier to enter a meditative state.

Scents like sandalwood, lavender, or frankincense are particularly popular for their calming properties and ability to clear the mind. Similarly, room sprays infused with essential oils can quickly transform your space, filling it with inviting aromas that promote relaxation and focus.

Candle-lit rooms also contribute significantly to creating a serene atmosphere conducive to meditation. The soft, flickering light of candles can in still a sense of warmth and safety, allowing you to let go of the stresses of the day. Additionally, the act of lighting a candle can serve as a ritualistic beginning to your meditation session, signalling to your mind and body that it is time to unwind and reflect. It is essential to exercise caution while using candles; be mindful not to fall asleep and inadvertently leave them burning unattended, as this could pose a fire hazard. To ensure safety, consider using flameless LED candles that mimic the appearance of real flames without the risk. This way, you can create a beautiful, calming environment for your meditations while prioritizing safety and peace of mind.

Bringing meditation into your daily routine can really help to give you a better grip on your thoughts and feelings.

Setting aside a specific time and space for meditation helps you build a habit that supports your mental and emotional health. Whether you prefer to meditate in silence or with some soothing music or guidance, it’s a fantastic way to grow personally and take care of yourself.

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Meditations