In the Flow with Healing Waters

We often suggest meditation to our clients to help with better overall well-being.  However, sometimes we don’t fully understand the signs we need to meditate or the benefits.  So, how do I know I need meditation?  While meditation is never a bad idea, sometimes we have specific signs that it is time to sit and be still.  I become reactive when I do not meditate regularly.  What is reactive?  For me, I get irritable.  For instance, I wake up in the morning and the sound of my husband snoring is irritating, the cats meowing for food is super annoying, the coffee machine isn’t fast enough, etc.  These are clearly “ME” problems, I want my husband to be breathing, and the cats need food for survival. Other signs of reactivity can be being overly sensitive or emotional, short-tempered, and road rage.  You can also exhibit physical symptoms such as rashes, crying, allergies, and pain between the shoulder blades. 

So, we have identified that we need some meditation.  So, what does that look like?  Well, that depends on you.  Meditation is not a one size fits all practice.  Some people like to sit, while others prefer to lie down.  Some people like music, others prefer quiet, etc.  If you are new to the practice, I suggest finding a comfortable place to sit and be still.  Place your hand on your belly and just feel your breath, notice the rise and fall of your belly as you inhale and exhale.  A 15-20 minute meditation will help you reset.  You can always sit longer if you have time and enjoy it.  Even 10 minutes is better than none.  Your mind may wander and race, but that’s ok, just go back to the breath.  Do not let your concern for doing it the “right” way deter you from doing it.  I have been practicing meditation for several years and my mind will still race some days.  That’s an extra indicator that I need to be doing it.

So, what are the benefits of meditation?  Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about meditation:    

When you meditate, you clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.

The emotional and physical benefits of meditation can include:

• Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
• Building skills to manage your stress
• Increasing self-awareness
• Focusing on the present
• Reducing negative emotions
• Increasing imagination and creativity
• Increasing patience and tolerance
• Lowering resting heart rate
• Lowering resting blood pressure
• Improving sleep quality

If you are interested in more formal training or trying it with a group, Healing Waters holds meditation classes.  You can check the calendar on our website for dates and information. 

Feeding my cats with joy in the flow,

Lisa