Why We Meditate(And Why We Struggle To Meditate)

Why Meditate?

I am absolutely sure that, by now, you are aware of the many benefits of meditation. It took a couple thousand years, but modern science has caught up with the wisdom of Yoga and now it is an inescapable truth: Meditation is amazing for us! With more and more studies being done on the benefits of meditation, it is beginning to look like a virtual panacea for so many western ailments. Meditation has been shown to:

·        Lower the body’s stress and inflammatory response

·        Decrease anxiety

·        Improve quality and quantity of sleep

·        Increase attention, focus, and memory

·        Lower blood pressure

·        Improve self-awareness

·        Increase serotonin levels (the happiness hormone)

·        Actually change the volume and structure of our Brain! (in a good way)

The list goes on and on. So why is it that with so much evidence to support it, so few people practice meditation regularly? Why do we resist it? I mean, if I could promise you a pill that could do all of the above with absolutely no negative side-effects what-so-ever, you'd take it, wouldn't you?

The Struggle is Real

We all want the things listed above, but there is still something slightly esoteric and out of reach about meditation. I mean, to sit quietly and do nothing but be alone with your thoughts! At the very least, it’s a challenge and for some, an absolute nightmare. (Okay, I'm exaggerating a little, but not by much).

Here is what I encourage: If you struggle to establish a regular meditation practice, can you change your mindset around it? Instead of thinking “I have to” or “I should”, can you say “I want to meditate” or “I choose to meditate”?

It is such a subtle thing, but the way we talk to ourselves is so important when we are trying to create a new habit. Let your mind get excited about it! And if the idea of sitting in stillness for 10 minutes just doesn’t do it for you, then choose one of the above benefits and create your language around that. “I choose to decrease my anxiety” or “I want to cultivate more happiness”. Associating meditation with all the good that it brings into your life is such a powerful motivating factor!

Creating a New Habit

There is a reason why we refer to Yoga (and by Yoga I mean all the limbs of it- asana, pranayama, and meditation included) as a practice. You practice it so that each day it gets a little easier, your mind a little more willing to be present and to observe without reaction. And I promise it does get easier, even enjoyable. Maybe one day even blissful :)

They say it takes 30 days to create a new habit, which if we are talking about meditation may seem interminably long. So, here is the challenge: choose one meditation practice and stick with it for 10 days. Every day for 10 days. At the end of that, set a new intention either to continue with that practice or choose a new one (we do stay more engaged with novelty, so if that is what you need to make meditation consistent, then by all means!)

You can check out the free meditation linked here or visit my Patreon page to start the new Meditation series I am offering where I will publish a new meditation practice each week.

Please feel free to leave a comment or ask any questions below! And share this post with someone you think might benefit from it.