My name is Megan, and I am really excited about joining Lesley-Ann and the Gorgeous Things Team. I am a proud little Aussie, Occupational Therapist, student, wife, yoga devotee, healthy living junkie (with the odd glass of Sauv Blanc for good measure), and hopefully in the not too distant future, mother. I have recently moved to California, and whilst soaking up the sunshine and studying for my Masters in Occupational Therapy, I look forward to spreading the word about the fabulous products and lifestyle education Gorgeous Things supports. I also look forward sharing some of my experiences from the other side of the pond.
I have decided to start off with something I believe strongly in, though am not always the best at committing to…A Regular Meditation Practice. When practiced consistently, the benefits definitely do exist. Whether it is establishing a personal practice independently or through group sitting, it can be simpler than you think. The hardest part is starting and discovering what works best for you, and that can also be the ‘fun’ part.
Whenever life gets busy it seems to be harder to maintain a practice even though it is the time we need it the most.
The benefits of meditation can include:
- Improved sleep, and possibly need for less sleep
- Improved concentration
- More general peace in daily life and a more positive outlook
- A calmer way of dealing with challenging and stressful situations. Problem solving becomes easier
- Meditation enables a higher state of alertness and consciousness
The last can often be the most surprising for us, when you first see yourself NOT explode at the sign of trouble. Phew what a relief!
It’s not how or where you meditate that matters so much, as there’s no rule, it’s a personal practice. It is consistency that makes the biggest difference. As with anything establishing a routine leads to real behavior change. They say it takes 21 days to make lasting change to a person’s behavior. And that’s where it’s often easy for sabotage creep in.
As I continue on my journey with the Gorgeous Things team by my side I will commit to 1 month of consistent daily practice in the morning, including at least once a week attending a community sit through the Zen Buddhist Centre. I will also explore other styles in more depth for readers of Gorgeous Things, to look at the foundation and benefits of each. As this experience is very personal I will also try to provide some objective perspectives on this process
Your Environment
It is important to find the right environment for meditation. A comfortable corner of the bedroom seated on a large floor cushion may work for some, or sitting in a chair may work for others. Eyes closed or open? Music or silence? Visualization or empty mind.
Remember Meditation practice does not need to be associated with a particular religion and it may take a while to establish the style that works best for you. Explore and try different styles. Many beginners classes are offered on a low cost, donation only basis or for free, and you may need to try a particular style a few times to establish if it is or isn’t working for you. Linking with a group may be intimidating so there are many websites and resources available that may help you start your journey.
Some I have encountered are:
These two sites are comprehensive and provide some free instructions on meditation both recorded and written.
Group sittings and resources:
www.dhamma.org universal
www.meditateinsydney.org sydney
www.spiritrock.org san francisco
Stayed tuned for Part 2 of Megan’s empowering Meditation Exploration
Megan, count me in too!
Everyday for a month – we’re in this together darling.
It’s great to have you aboard the good ship Gorgeous Things
Hi Megan.
I was browsing the internet and by chance I came across your inetesting blog using meditation to calm your life.
I thought you might be interested in reviewing ‘Stillness Buddy’? It’s a software application I’ve just launched last week.
Stillness Buddy helps people to remain mindful of the present moment, relaxed and at peace, while working at the computer.
It works by displaying short “moments of stillness” and longer “mindfulness pauses”, interspersed during the day. These breaks are designed to be very brief, so that they don’t interfere with work. You can choose their duration and frequency, to suit your preferences and schedule.
By regularly practising the stillness and mindfulness exercises presented during the breaks, Stillness Buddy quickly and effectively helps to:
* Cultivate a deep sense of peace and stillness in every day life.
* Be more relaxed, less tense.
* Work in a more mindful, alert and stress-free manner
* Live more and more in the present moment
Stillness Buddy is for those of us who want to be more at peace and aware of the present moment, in the midst of our busy lives. It is also a great tool if you want to feel less tense and stressed. It is suitable for people of all walks of life, regardless of their spiritual practice or religious background.
You can find more about Stillness Buddy and download a 30-day free trial, at https://www.stillnessbuddy.com
If you like the application, would you be able to review it on your blog? I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me to spread the word.
In return, I’d be happy to provide you with a free, licensed copy of Stillness Buddy and to arrange a special discount for your readers, when they mention your name.
Also, I am setting up an affiliate program, which should be ready in about a month, which may be of interest to you too.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Hector
MindFree Ventures (Stillness Buddy)
Hi Megan, Great article. Talk about timing. I have just been to my weekly yoga & meditation class, during which I made a commitment to myself to practice 5 minutes of meditation and some yoga poses everyday…. so count me in too.
Girls, I’ve done 8 days out of 15…how’re you all going? LA x
An insightfull post. Will definitely help.
Thanks,
Karim – Positive thinking
Hi LA and Megan, I have made it to my weekly yoga class, and managed to practice some moments of mindfullness in between, but i have found it difficult – too busy – too practice yoga everyday… How are you guys going with your practice? Today though, I am happy to say, I have taken the time to paint my nails – in celebration of Spring. I love this time of year, so much promise in the air…
I have been really heartened by everyone’s posts, including some great suggestions. I have done ok since my post , still averaging about 10 mins a day either before bed or when I wake. Its a start and its just about being consistent. I have noticed I am more conscious of how I ‘feel’ in different situations and keep my emotions in check (especially as I’m craming for an exam at present).
All I can say is keep up the good work. Peace, love and harmony to everyone!
Megan
Same to you Megan. Hope your exams are going well
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