Remember those Covid times? Not only has there been a huge lack of, let’s say, fun, but pretty much all our lives got turned upside down. Between work, homeschooling, the once-per-day-strolling-allowance and the mental stress this difficult time has inflicted upon us, how did we even relax? Was there even a need to when we spent most of our times at home? Yes, more than ever.
Many people I followed online suddenly turned to Tarot and other spiritual “vessels” to find any answers to their questions since we were living in limbo and a lot of those practices are still going strong. Tarot, Reiki, spells and magical rituals became a new practice and personally I was baffled to see how many people put their faith into readings on youtube. Magazines picked up on that trend and even talked about “addiction”, clearly something was getting out of hand. Funny how once we were forced to spend more time with ourselves, it got harder to turn our focus inside and just simply, well, be confronted with ourselves! But it can be so simple and we all know how to do it. Sometimes, the simplest solution can require the most effort but let’s give it a try.
meditation comes in many ways.
I admit, I’m not very good at meditating but I try to make it a part of my daily routine. I always have the need to move, so sitting still does not always do the trick. However, if I meditate after my workout, or at the end of the day, I can benefit a lot more from it and even enjoy it. Some people like to meditate first thing in the morning, to sort of “set the mood” for the day. Others on the other hand, once they wake up, they just have to jump out of bed and get busy. Whatever works for you.
Meditation comes in so many ways. You don’t need to focus on all the chakras. All you need to do is try to focus on what you’re doing right in this moment, and not be absent with your thoughts. That’s really being present, and it’s relaxing for your mind.
For example, when you’re working out, really focus on what you are doing. I know it sounds simple, but how often do you think of something else when you’re working out? I find this is such an easy way for me to have my daily dosis of meditation. Especially when you feel the burn, you just do the counting, you think of that body part and you really feel it. That is nothing other than being present. Give your body your full attention, and you’ll always feel so much lighter afterwards.
taste it.
When you sit down for breakfast, lunch or dinner, eat slowly and try to fully savour all the flavours. You spent some time preparing your meal, so give it your full attention and enjoy it! Don’t get distracted by watching TV or doing something else. I know we all do it, but make some time in the week to prepare a healthy, nutritious and most of all yummy soul food for you and indulge in 15mins me-and-my-food-time.
look around.
My favourite form of meditation is spending time in nature. Go to your local park preferably early in the morning, or anytime when it’s quiet. When you’re out in the park, naturally your mind starts wandering (or worrying about something). A simple and useful technique to make the most out of your stroll is the 5-senses-exercise. Simply look around and name:
– 5 things you can see
– 4 things you can feel
– 3 things you can hear
– 2 things you can smell
– 1 thing you can taste.
That exercise is going to shift your focus instantly onto your surrounding, and that is, you guessed it, being present. I promise you will start paying more attention to the birds than what’s on your mind.
just breathe.
Yes, breathe in for four and exhale for eight. Good thing is you can do that anytime anywhere, whenever your heart or mind starts going a little too fast. Do this ten times in a row, shoulders back and close your eyes if you can. It will instantly slow you down and put everything into a different perspective.
look at something you love.
Describing things can be trickier than it sounds. Often times we find it a lot easier to describe something we hate. Practice looking at something beautiful and figure out what is that you like about it. Do you like art? Have a few pictures of paintings or other artwork on your wall and just focus on one. Try to describe what is it exactly you’re looking at. What do you like about it and why? Is it the colours, the composition, the subject, the message? This can be fun and you’re again focussing on what’s simply in front of you. If you don’t like the idea of art, just pick anything you like. Could be also a loved one!
I hope you found out something new and I that you’ll try one of the suggestions! Happy meditating!