Updated: March 19, 2021
Originally Published: May 16, 2020
As I settle into a comfortable seated position, I picture myself in a tranquil meadow, legs crossed and arms extended, palms resting on my knees. I imagine the energy of the earth flowing through me, creating a bubble of peace amidst the chaos of the world. However, reality hits hard—I’m not in a serene meadow. Instead, I’m navigating the challenges of a pandemic with kids at home, juggling distance learning, and dealing with the pervasive anxiety that accompanies it all. Finding tranquility seems almost impossible.
Despite this, I ventured into meditation. The tipping point came when I stumbled upon a Facebook ad for a free month of the Sam Harris Waking Up meditation app. A friend had been encouraging me to give it a shot, touting it as the best app she’s found, so I thought, why not?
Initially, I struggled to stick to a routine. Each time the app reminded me to meditate, I would dismiss the notification, intending to return to it later. Eventually, I forced myself to pause and dedicate ten minutes to the practice. My dog snuggled into my lap, and my son blasted his electric guitar in the next room. I told myself I had to make it work. The first session began with a focus on breath. Sam’s voice guided me, reminding me to gently steer my attention back to my breathing whenever my mind wandered.
As a natural skeptic, I assumed the calm I experienced afterward was merely suggestive. Yet, I persisted despite the ups and downs of daily life. Each session, whether five or ten minutes long, brought a familiar sense of serenity. I quickly learned that the distractions of my environment—the noise, the interruptions—were all part of the experience. In one guided meditation, Sam encouraged focusing on external sounds rather than solely on my breath, demonstrating how chaos can coexist with mindfulness.
Just the other day, my daughter joined me halfway through a session. I invited her to stay for the last few minutes, and together we focused on our breathing despite the dog’s antics and my son’s video game frustrations. Research backs up the benefits of mindfulness meditation. A Harvard study revealed that participants who meditated daily for eight weeks saw changes in gene expressions linked to inflammation and stress response, alongside lowered blood pressure. Further studies indicate that regular meditation can lead to structural brain changes and slow age-related decline.
But for me, meditation is simple—it calms my mind. The anxiety that often manifests as tightness in my chest eases during these moments of stillness. On days I meditate, I feel more present and gain perspective on my circumstances. I acknowledge what I can control—whether it’s the meals I cook or how I manage conflicts between my children. Rather than succumb to panic about the uncertainties around me, I choose to embrace them.
I may not be practicing meditation in a traditional sense; my thoughts often wander, and the noise never truly quiets. Yet, the act of sitting and acknowledging my thoughts without judgment is beneficial. If you’re interested in trying meditation yourself, there are various apps to explore. While many of the top-rated ones come with a fee, some like the Waking Up app offer financial assistance for those who need it. You might also consider alternatives like Headspace, Smiling Mind, Buddify, or Insight Timer, each catering to different needs and preferences.
For a more casual approach, you can simply take ten minutes to focus on your breath. For more insights on meditation and mindfulness, you can check out this post on Home Insemination, or visit Intra-Cervical Insemination for expert advice. Additionally, Progyny serves as a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, meditation has brought an unexpected sense of calm during these turbulent times. While my practice may not be perfect, the act of focusing on my breath—even in chaos—has made a significant difference in my daily life.