Like many, I used to think that meditation was “not for me” or that it requires me to reach an unattainable state of tranquility that would eventually lead to levitation. Well, eventually.
Obviously, I was wrong.
My journey to attempt meditating was not pleasant at all.
It took a job change, culture shock, a toxic amount of stress, insecurities and negative thoughts for me to realise that I was on the brink of spiraling, and that I really needed to find some way to get out of this before I lose myself.
Talking to my close friends helped unload some of my anxiety, but I knew that I should not have to do that to someone I cared about every time I feel like crap.
Something self-help, like meditating seemed like the only sustainable and viable choice.
I downloaded an app which a friend recommended — Balance — to kickstart my journey to meditating. Honestly, there are so many options out there and you definitely should take time to explore. As a meditation newbie, I just needed something that was accessible, free, and made the concept of meditating relatable to me.
My first day of meditating focused on breath work. Just five minutes of simple inhale, and exhale.
And so it worked wonders. Day 1, Day 2, Day 3…I kept going back because I felt so much better right after my first practice. Just five minutes of listening to Ofosu guide me through simple techniques, just five minutes of isolating myself away from the world, listening to my own breath, focusing on how my body feels.
Here’s how it changed me:
- I slept better
Meditating before you sleep has been proven to increase melatonin levels, and it brings a sense of calmness that is so important to getting a good night’s sleep.
Through meditation, you also realise how time really is just a man-made concept that contributes to the stress and anxiety we often feel, albeit unnecessary. I mean, in those few minutes I chose to do nothing but breathe, the world moved on without me, no one died, everything seemed to be ok, right?
2. I learnt how to focus
Especially at the workplace, we tend to rush against time and think that we are being productive if we seem busy and are always multi-tasking. For sure, we all have work to do and project timelines to meet, but learning to find that focus within is a skill that meditation taught me, and it really helped to ensure that I stay on task and complete what I started, before jumping onto the next.
Trust me, it also helps if being detail-oriented is not exactly your strongest suit.
3. I learnt how to cope with stressful situations
Remember, going into a challenging situation feeling all jittery and stressed out will only worsen it. The effects of meditation has opened my eyes to a version of me that is calmer, more collected, and confident to tackle stressful situations.
Importantly, with a combination of these three benefits, my mind is clearer and sharper, and I approach problems differently now. Slow and steady wins the race.
This is my personal experience and I hope that it would encourage you to give meditation a shot, especially if you find yourself feeling anxious, having trouble sleeping, or find it challenging to focus. After all, in these strange times that we’re in, we all need to feel a little better.
Lastly, if you have tried meditating or if you are thinking of starting on your meditation journey, I would love to hear from you!
Namaste.
