The first thought that usually comes to mind after hearing the word “meditation” often includes sitting criss-cross applesauce in a dimly lit room, candle flames crackling along with an ocean waves playlist as you try to quiet your boisterous head. Meditation, however, is by no means limited to its stereotype and doesn’t necessarily assume the ability to have a blank and focused mind. It’s not an easy thing to do, but the practice is unique to the person carrying it out and opens the door for stress reduction in body and mind, and self-reflection.
I think the best thing about meditation is that it is totally up for interpretation. There doesn’t have to be a set time, place, or reason. Just go wherever you’re going to feel the most comfortable, whether that be your bedroom, somewhere outdoors, or even a church (if they’re open). You can be sitting, standing, lying down; it’s all up to which position allows you to relax your muscles and slow your breathing.
An issue that most people face with meditation is the inability to focus their minds. “I would suggest coming up with a mantra of some sort,” stated Jackie Navarro, BS in Psychology, “A mantra, so having something that you say over and over again, whether that be in your head or out loud, would probably help focus some. That consistency and uniformity make it so the head can be clearer.”
“Meditation relaxes the body which in turn relaxes the mind,” Navarro. The James-Lange theory of emotion suggests that a physical reaction ensues first, then an emotional response takes place in alignment with the physical one. Therefore, according to the James-Lange theory, after meditation calms the body, those reactions send a message to the brain that lets it know that it’s safe to feel calm and let the guards down.
In these times, it can be hard to avoid distractions. As a society, we are continually seeking immediate gratification and endless stimuli. It can often be a challenge to sit with oneself, so looking inward can seem intimidating. People shy away from self-reflection for a number of reasons; however, meditation can make those reasons easier to confront. Meditation allows you to talk with yourself and readjust.
