I hear it so often, but it really does press the reset button.
It made me wonder why? What is the resistance?
Historically there was an image that people who meditate are a bit way out, earthy yoghurt knitters who dance around in the moonlight (anyway enough about me, ha ha!). The thing is it isn't like that now because there has been well documented that meditation can help reduce stress emotionally and physically.
Some people don't know how to meditate and don't want to ask and may worry that they won't be able to do it- it can take time to perfect embracing silence as our thoughts get in the way so often, and even now after years of practice my thoughts get in the way sometimes.
Perhaps you aren't ready yet to find the quiet? or you just can't face the quiet? There are many people who just want to keep busy because the quiet can be too painful- for example if you've suffered a loss of a loved one or a trauma.
And then there's just the people who say they are too busy, not realising that the reset button is really important and will aid their busy lives.
Why does it work?
It is all connected to our nervous system (the parasympathetic nervous system) and specifically a nerve called the Vagus Nerve. What is that? The parasympathetic nervous system is the part of us which allows our body to function well- it is associated with resting, digesting and healing- keeping our circulation going at a well regulated rate (so allowing out our blood pressure and heart rate to be well controlled). This Vagus Nerve is connected to all our main organs, so when you are stressed it will flick from resting and digesting, to fight flight- (in this response, there is no resting, digesting or healing happening). This was originally used as a life saving response- so when we were being chased by a bear we could stop digesting our food etc and our adrenalin and flight responses (increased heart rate, blood circulation to main organs only) could then allow us to run away from it. We have not evolved from that response- ie our body still responds as if we are being chased by that bear.
So our stress these days is about a work deadline, or an argument with our partner or our child forgetting their PE kit on a match day and our body still deals with the situation in the same way. It pumps out adrenaline (and a few other things like that). Because the stress is on-going. the body continues to have the side affects from the adrenalin and cortisol, ie: poor metabolism, high blood pressure
When you slow your breathing down, the lungs can switch our stress response back into the parasympathetic nervous system because of the connection of the Vagus Nerve.
When you meditate and slow your breathing down to a relaxed and gentle pace you bring your body back into an equilibrium.
How to meditate:
Find a quiet place- sounds silly, but how can you find inner peace if you have constant interruptions and noise.
Sit in a comfortable position- if you can sit upright you reduce the risk of falling asleep! Also it aligns all your chakras beautifully too.
Begin by slowing down your breath to a comfortable pace and observe your inhale and exhale. I imagine it is like the sea, washing in and out of the shore (but I love the sea).
As your breathing slows its pace allow each breath to relax your body- notice where there might be a bit of tension, send your breath there. With your outbreath allow this tension to dissolve it and breath it out.
Don't forget to relax your shoulders and your brow- two places which are often under tension.
Try and quieten your mind- if thoughts do pop in, acknowledge them and say to yourself that you will think about them later. I imagine putting them on a cloud and let them float away.
If you are being bothered by thoughts, keep it simple and just keep returning to your breath.
When finishing your meditation it can be beneficial to ground yourself- imagine you have roots coming from your feet which go deep into the earth below. Then imagine the earth's energy is rising up through your feet and body and out of the top of your head into the universe around you (I imagine it being like a tree). Then you are part of the world around you and grounded to the Earth.
If you are still feeling slightly ungrounded, look around the room and notice objects or colours of things (for example, 2 things that are blue, or detailing in a photo or picture). It should help bring you back to the present moment.
Meditating is a lovely practice. Don't feel like you have failed if you cannot quieten your thoughts, this does happen, but don't give up. Try again another time. Also, don't feel like you have to meditate for hours- try just 5 minutes to begin with and increase your time. This is such a valuable reset button and helpful for us all.
If you want to use a guided meditation there is plenty on Youtube and you will find some people resonate with you whilst others don't. If you would like a one to one session or come to one of my Sound Bath sessions we always start with meditation.
Any questions, please do just ask!
Love Zoe x
