Happy Friday, friends! This week Gary and I decided to put up a calendar and mark off the days until the date we think this will all be over -it’s an arbitrary date, but gives us something to look forward to. It helps to mark off each day and feel like we’re getting closer to the end. I really thought that I would finally get into the meditation mindset in the month of March, but not surprisingly the month that I could have used it most threw us for the biggest loop ever. My schedule changed mid month (as did everyone else’s) and suddenly finding 15 minutes for this reset just wasn’t a priority.
I started the month off really strong dedicating 5-15 minutes each day to meditation until March 11th. At first I signed up for the Calm App and then for Headspace, but realizing that they weren’t truly “free” apps, I went to Youtube and found a few great guided meditations. The two weeks that I was diligent about getting meditation in, it was because I put that time into my calendar and made it a part of my day. Even with that, I still can’t
As zen as I get, playing on the floor with Sophia!
I think what this entire process taught me was that meditation is just not for me. I am not one of those people that can train myself to quiet my brain from going a million miles a minute. Forced relaxation is not something that I am comfortable with – be it yoga, massages or acupuncture. I enjoy two out of those three, but it doesn’t mean I am able to fully quiet my mind. That type of stress relief actually has the opposite affect on me because I am not getting the results I should be getting!
I wanted each month to push me with things I didn’t necessarily want to do or need to do, but wanted to get better at or learn. In this case, I learned something about myself. This wasn’t the first time I tried meditation, Gary has been asking me to medidate for almost 6 years now and it’s just not for me. Perhaps in a few years it might be, but at this point in my life, I don’t think I’m there.
Moving on to this month’s challenge and one I’m excited for – Spanish practice! I downloaded DuoLingo which is free and have started my quizzes! I set my time for 10 minutes a day and I’m really looking forward to sharpening my Spanish language skills.
How are you at meditating? Are there any tips or tricks that I should have tried? Stay safe and healthy!
How are you at meditating? Are there any tips or tricks that I should have tried? Stay safe and healthy!
My brain never shuts off, meditation works well for so many people I know BUT not for me ! Cleaning, organizing and rearranging things around our home right now is helping me cope !
I’ve tried it and just can’t either. My mind starts up even more with all the things, lol. Have a great weekend love!
I will keep trying meditation. It's hard.
I know it's not for everyone and it definitely takes time! I'm a huge fan of it now but it took six months-year to get to a space where I really can see the benefits! I loved learning Spanish on Duolingo, I still regret taking French in school growing up. Have a great weekend friend!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
I'm not very good at turning off the noise either. I can however completely relax with getting a message but it's hard on my own. Spanish will be a great thing to focus on!
I have a hard time quieting my mind too. The only time I can "meditate" is if I am home alone & basically shut myself in my room & laydown in the dark essentially starting to nap while listening to a guided meditation. Even then I usually wind up picking up my phone at least once… The guided meditation tracks though do calm me down a bit.
I'm with you, I just cannot do meditation no matter how hard I try. And I totally think that is ok! There are lots of other forms of meditation that are more personal and less traditional (i.e. reading a book.) Bravo to you for trying!!!
I can't either!! That was my beef with yoga too!!! Too slow. 🙂 But… I get very zen during massages. So there's that 🙂 XOXO, R
I used to practice meditation when I did yoga, but definitely have gotten out of practice.
Meditation is definitely not for me. I cant even really chill for things like yoga, I prefer a more active workout. And that is my "chill" get out of my head time. I love that you are trying something new every month, and it is really inspiring to me.
Meditation is hard. The only time I can really do it is after a super relaxing yoga class outside. My brain shuts off a bit but is still there. I use the sound of nature to clear my mind. But headspace, could not do it. Acupuncture right between the eyes is very relaxing. But I tried to use it when I quit smoking in other places, while using a meditation app and it made me nervous and want to smoke! I need to do Spanish with you this month!
Does Gary meditate daily? I think I would have a hard time shutting off my mind and thoughts.
Same for me – mediation and I don't go together well either. From what I understand it requires serious long term commitment which I have just not been able to give it. But you are right, there are other way to calm down your mind and be in the moment. Playing with my kids is definitely one of those ways for me.
I cant get into meditation either. I WANT to – but I just cant. I'm not even someone who prays quietly or still. I'm usually talking out loud to God while I'm running around or cleaning the house 🙂 LOL
I have never been able to get into meditation myself either. Good for you for trying!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I've tried to meditate but my mind always wanders and I give up. I use DuoLingo for French! It's a fun app!
Jill – Doused in Pink
it's a shame it wasn't for you! I've used the headspace app a few times but it's so difficult finding a regular time for anything with kids, haha! I haven't used it in a while.
Hope that you had a lovely weekend 🙂 We all stayed home and stayed safe, hope you did too.
Away From Blue
I can't meditate either.. I can't clear my mind..
I hate that it wasn't for you. I am one of those people who has major trouble shutting my brain off, and even though I struggle during my meditation to do so every single day, I've still found meditation to be hugely beneficial to my overall well-being. So if you just can't shut your brain off, don't let that discourage you! I've been meditating daily for almost 7 months now and I STILL find thoughts going by while I meditate. I read that even if you can't shut your brain off, it's the act of trying over and over again to push the thoughts out of your head that's so beneficial for you because it's training your brain to "make space." And the longer you do it, the better you'll get. Truly!! And consistency is KEY, too. You have to do it every single day to see the improvement. But also, if you're just not feeling it and meditation is a source of stress for you, you're right… it may just not be for you!