Multidimensional Growth: One Year of Consistent Meditation Practice ✦
The self, too, is a prism. Neutral events enter and are transformed into a spectrum of feelings, thoughts, and sensations. - Rick Rubin, Creative Act: A Way of Being
Imagine a life where your creative ideas flow effortlessly, and your mind is free from the burdens of stress and anxiety. Is there a tool to reach that state? Yes. Meditation brings to both your creative expression and emotional well-being.
This one practice turn my life around and further I want to reflect on how regular meditation changed my relationship with the world and my body. First of all, the body is our connection to the world, and it is how we communicate, so it's important to learn to listen. That's why many meditation techniques or practices focus on body sensations. Two of my favorite ones are body scan and breath counting/noticing. I started meditating a year and a half ago when I discovered "Headspace." Ironically, I am writing this text right after finishing one of the "Headspace" meditations.
So, the changes (pros):
The biggest change for me was starting to create art for myself, rather than a way to earn money.
Now I have a tool that lets me notice what is happening in my body and with what intensity.
Whenever I feel lost, I don't look for help outside (at least initially). I have an instrument to look inside, and after I use this tool, I can reach out for external help and be more clear about what I need help with.
I notice small things that bring my body comfort or discomfort and make choices accordingly (less jewelry, softer clothes, sleeping on my back).
I feel like I have more control over my life because I have a pool of things I can practice control over: words, thoughts, feelings, and movement.
I better distinguish my true desires and preferences.
I now better understand people around me because I understand myself, and we all share a human experience.
And I am pretty sure there are many more changes and benefits that just don't come to my mind in this exact moment but impact my life daily in a positive way.
So now to cons:
I can't live without it!
If you feel lost, overwhelmed, or too emotional, try meditation. You can start with just three to five minutes in the morning (but you'll go longer with time for sure. I now have one-hour meditations quite regularly, even though I have to admit, the first time going for a one-hour meditation was quite a challenge).
Also, keep in mind this is not a magic pill. I still see a therapist from time to time (and plan to do that more often!), but it definitely boosted the productivity of this kind of mental/spiritual help. As I said before, I now can better articulate what I need help with and integrate the solution deeper.
It took me a while to realize I haven’t reflected on the positive changes meditation brought into my life simply because now it is such a usual part of my routine, but two years ago a younger me did not know such a powerful tool existed and was struggling with fear and uncertainty every day, distracted from the thing they liked doing most: exploring the Unknown of an incredible world we live in.
So I suggest you a new experience today. This is a simple 10 min meditation I practice from time to time (waste 10 min of free time and you may come back to your very important internet scrolling) :
Have a great rest of your week,
noto ✦