#changingyourmind

Let's all do our best to prioritize self-care this year! During this Chinese year of the Rabbit. It is my goal to do at least one self-care article a month. This month I encourage you to prioritize some form of meditation into your day to day schedule. 

Photo by Gustavo Fring I was once a frantic, working, Indigo, mom who thought meditation was just a silly, non-beneficial waste of my time. But let me tell you, it can be a game changer for a healthier, wealthier, and happier you in 2023. First off, let's talk about health. I know, I know, the last thing you want to think about is your health when you have a million things on your plate. But, meditation can make a big impact. It's been linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and even a decrease in symptoms of conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Having been a busy mom, I know all too well the struggles of anxiety and depression. And let me tell you, many of us could use a little help in the

Photo by Vlada Karpovich anxiety and depression department. But it's not just physical health that meditation improves. It can also do wonders for your wealth. That's right, your bank account. Studies have shown that regular meditation can lead to improved focus, decision making, and creativity, which can lead to better performance in the workplace and ultimately, financial success. So not only will meditation help you live longer, it'll also help you live better. But the most important benefit of meditation is the impact it can have on your overall well-being. When you take the time to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment, you begin to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace. This can lead to improved relationships, greater empathy, and a more positive outlook on life. And let's be real, who wouldn't want more peace and positivity in their life? Meditation will also assist you with connecting with your own Indigo inner guidance and higher self as well as your own unique and highest guides from The Blue Realm. If you haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet check out The Indigo Room on YouTube where I discuss meeting with your guides in dream time.

Photo by Ari Alqadri

From "I Don't Have Time" to "I Make Time"

The number one complaint that I hear is "I just don't have time to meditate."  I used to be there too. As a busy working mom, I used to roll my eyes at the thought of meditation. I would tell myself, "I don't have time for that." But then I realized, I was actually the one making time for everything else. So why not make time for something that could help me feel better and be more productive? When I first began meditating I would often fall asleep, especially when I attempted to mediate at night. Number one reason why I stopped meditating in my bed or in any lying down position, is I'd be out like a light slobbering into my pillow in no time. Not the thoughtful insight I was looking for.  The interruptions by my school aged children whenever I settled down was never ending.  Kids knocking on my closed bedroom, bathroom or closet door, (yes, I tried meditating in my closet. Don’t judge me. lol), was not the peaceful tranquility promised. I almost gave up until I realized, “Hey, I can wake up a little earlier than the kids every day and meditate then. I did this every day for a week. I got up 15 minutes before they did each day. Eureka!! I could have just taught my kids to meditate with me :))

I thought I was a genius. However, I soon found out rather quickly this wasn't working either. Because let’s face it, as a working mom, I found other things to do during my kid-free 15 minutes of quiet bliss.  I told myself my mind wandered too much anyway, it's too hard to  empty it for a full fifteen to twenty minutes. Thoughts about everything and anything plagued my non-cooperative mind.  I was becoming frustrated, definitely not calmer by any means. "You can try it again tomorrow," I'd say to me. The excuses I started to give myself for my complete and utter failure were, I don’t have enough time. It’s too hard. I can’t do it. I can’t quiet my mind for 15 minutes. I am not a morning person anyway. I fall asleep. It doesn’t really help me. I am more stressed out because I cannot quiet my mind. Who needs meditation anyway? I did. I needed it!! I dropped the entire notion and eventually tomorrow stopped coming and I stopped  trying to meditate altogether.  This is pretty much how it goes for a lot people I speak to.

A Quick Fix for Stress and Anxiety

Photo by Yan Krukau Eventually I got back on the horse and I can meditate for sometimes over an hour these days. But trust me an hour meditating is not what we are aiming for here. As a matter of fact, unless you are a Tibetan monk, an hour is just too long for most people and again not necessary.  But here's the thing; you don't have to meditate for an hour to reap the benefits. Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by those Spiritual Tibetan Ganstas LOL. (joking)  But seriously, by quieting your mind for 1-5 minutes, you can actually reap the same benefits as people who meditate for an hour. I started meditating for just 5 minutes a day and saw a drastic improvement in my stress levels. It was like a quick fix for the constant racing thoughts and worries that plagued me. I felt calmer and more focused. And the best part was, it only took 5 minutes out of my day!

How to Get Started with Meditation

"Sydney, this all sounds great, but where do I even begin with meditation?" Getting started with meditation is easier than you think. All you need is a quiet place and a comfortable seat. Set a timer for 5 minutes (or more if you have time), close your eyes, and focus on your breath. That's it! As you get more comfortable with meditation, you can try guided meditations or download a meditation app to assist you.  1-5 minutes is enough time for any beginner or even  if you’ve fallen off the “spiritual” wagon so to speak. Just begin where you are.  You don't need any special equipment or training, just a quiet space and again, a willingness to focus on your breath. And there are plenty of resources available to help guide you through the process, such as apps like Headspace or Calm.  And do your best to incorporate it in your life daily. I found that once I got used to meditating for 5 minutes, because it does take practice, I was easily able to incrementally extend my time . 

No More Excuses, It's Time to Prioritize Self-Care