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Last year, I set some pretty cool goals. Every quarter, I checked in with myself to see how I my progress was, and implement any changes I needed to ensure I was on-track. I have participated in a few 30-day challenges both on my own and with friends. They are usually centered around health or personal growth and I love doing them. When I started a meditation challenge I knew it would be very testing, and it was, but it was also incredibly interesting and I learned a lot.
I have been extremely interested and practiced various forms of meditation in my life; inside workshops and yoga classes within my previous life as a yoga instructor, so I was familiar with the basics. Although, I still consider myself to be very much a beginner. Still, I knew I needed to really examine if it was something I could continue and truly experience the benefits of. After fully researching the topic and reading several books which I am happy to recommend, I gave a 30-day meditation challenge a try with some friends. I was thoroughly impressed with the effects. I questioned if it was just a matter of good timing or the circumstances in my life. I felt more clear, I had increased patience, and positivity (on a small scale). During the pandemic years, our family experienced a lot of additional stresses and struggles that felt very overwhelming (as many others had) and I knew I needed to make a much bigger change. So, I set a big goal of meditating daily.
I chose my length of time and set a timer. This worked well, for the most part.
Initially, I aimed for 10 minutes daily. This seemed to be all I thought I could fit into my morning routine. I had read many times that the morning was the best time to mediate because it helped to set you up for the day. I still very much agree with this, but it is no longer a rigid timeline for me. If the morning is chaotic, which it often is with kids, I will push it to later in the day. Although, I always regret it because chaos is clearly when I need it the most. As the months went on, I found myself also using it as a tool to fall asleep, or to take a pause mid-afternoon. There were also days where I completely forgot, stayed up late and ended-up meditation just before 12 am to make sure I did not miss it. There was only about 5 or 6 days total that I missed throughout the year, for no other reason than it slipped my mind. If I had been more consistent in meditating in the morning, this would have been avoided.
What I experienced...
Sometimes absolutely nothing. In the beginning and often even throughout the later parts of the year, it was an real struggle to just sit. I fidgeted, became annoyed because of endless to-do list, and felt irritated that I had committed to it. I experimented with guided mediations, music in the background and complete silence. Many times I was meditating as my kids came in the room to ask me for something, there were loud noises in the background, or our dog, Sophie, would come and lick my arm for attention. These situations illuminated how much more I needed this practice in my life; because I gradually saw my reactions shifting. Often I did not react at all, where normally I would experience intense agitation followed my the guilt of how my family may need something from me and I was being selfish by taking this time. I know this is common, but it is not at all accurate. I have learned that with meditation the same as regular exercise, or a date with a friend, I need to take care of myself to be the best I can for my family. It has become a tool that I rely on in order to bring myself to baseline and protect my peace. Oftentimes I will wish I had set my timer for much longer, because the peace I felt both during and afterwards was incredible. I still struggle with actually sitting down and breathing for at least the first 5 minutes; however, now I expect it and don’t fixate on it.
What I will change...
Moving forward, I plan to take on longer sessions. I have recently completed a few 30 minute meditations and plan to try a few 1 hour sessions. Gone are the 5 minute ones to “fit it in” because they did not provide me with anything other that impatience. Its not long enough for me to get any real progress or stillness. My mind is too busy. That being said, done is better than perfect.
For my future meditation journey, I will not focus so much on where I am meditating. I think this has prevented me from really enjoying it by thinking all the stars must be aligned and I need to have my favourite cushion to be successful. I know, ridiculous, but that is my natural tendency.
I will, without a doubt, be a lifelong meditator. The befits I have experiences have been so significant that it has become a cornerstone in my mental health. It has allowed me to deep dive into ideas, problems and become more present in every area in my life.
Are you an experienced mediator? Do you have any tips to share? Or have you considered a mediation challenge? Connect with me here or tag me on IG @tanyaevoy so I can cheer you on! Here are just a few of my favourite resources that I would like to share:
Books:
Think Like a Monk - Jay Shetty Order from Amazon here
Secrets of Meditation - davidji Order from Amazon here
Spotify Playlist:
The Storm Before the Calm - Alanis Morissette Open in Spotify here
Grace and Gratitude - Olivia Newton-John Open in Spotify here
Meditation apps available in the app store:
Peloton App - Free 60-day Guest Pass here
Fitmind - Subscription Required
Calm - Subscription Required after 7 day trial
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