On meditation - a beginner’s journey

That feels like a load off my shoulders.

Yes, I know I could have done better than “on and off”, after all, I do have a father whose life, as I know it, has revolved around peace and meditation. But I now choose to no longer berate myself in a way that brings guilt upon the space I create to meditate. That will not help me now. Life happens, and we can only do the best we can do. I feel that it’s what I put forth today that counts.

I must admit that integrating regular meditation into my life has been harder than I thought. When looking in from the outside, all you have to do is sit there – and hey, I’m pretty good at doing that first thing in the morning when my alarm is ringing! But for me, the issue has not been in the sitting, the issue is getting “there”. Juggling the needs and wants of day-to-day life, plus motherhood, I find it difficult to justify the time and place for meditation within my day. Every time I walk past that spot on the couch I IMMEDIATELY think of 10 other things that seem pressingly more important.

Oh, but the days I sit down and make that time happen – WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! When I have meditated every day for at least 2 weeks I FEEL the difference within myself. There is clarity, a sense of purpose, connection, time moves slower and there is a lightness about life (that’s the best word I can think to describe it).

However, this back and forth, on and off “thing” hasn’t been a waste of time. In fact, I think it’s a big part of my journey! It is only in the absence of meditation that I feel the contrast and can truly appreciate the benefits that are produced. The days when I don’t create time for meditation I feel like I am walking around inside a tunnel, disconnected from everything. I feel rushed and dark.

So for the novice meditator I think the biggest struggle is not the constant thinking, or feeling every itch, or struggling to find comfort; it is showing up. You can create all the space and time in the world, but if you’re not willing to sit your ass down and close those eyes, you will find a dozen other things to do. Showing up to the time and space that you have carved out of your busy life is love. Showing up to show yourself love.

Everyone who meditates regularly today was once a beginner, and the only way to start that thousand-mile journey is to show up and take a step. Because if not today, will it really be tomorrow?

I would like to finish this post on a note of inspiration. If you are at the beginning of your journey, leave your expectations and ideas of “perfect” at the door and just show up. Show up today and tomorrow will take care of itself.

With love,
Alexia

PS If you would like to follow me on my journey the best thing to do is sign up for email updates. (you will also get a FREE piece of music to help with your meditation), and if you have any thoughts about meditation feel free to leave a comment – I would love to hear from you! xx