9. Your Meditation Practice : When to know if and when to throw in the towel

In this week's episode ( the final of 4 meditation episodes), we talk about ditching the "all or nothing" approach to our meditation practice.  Our meditation "practice" can be a formal, structured sit down type of practice and/or it can me more of "mindfulness moment" type of practice similar to what we talked about last week with taking our meditation practice to the streets. In fact, I love a combination of both. Meditation gives us a place and a space to explore and play with our mind. Sometimes it feels like a nice relaxing chit chat and, on other days, more of a tug of war.  This is what keeps me coming back for more:-). On the days that I do a more formal "sit down" type of practice, I find that I am more mindful as I move through the day. Sometimes colours, sounds and aromas are more intense as I go through the grocery store or a walk along the boardwalk.  Sometimes I notice that I take more of a pause before I respond to a thought or even to someone asking me a question. It is like the space from the meditation creates space in my reactions and responses.  There's time to breath, to contemplate and decide how to respond instead of a quick reaction.  Years ago, one of the articles that I read on how meditation affects our brains described it as, "it changes the set point at which you are bothered". This could be your kids arguing in the backseat of your car, or someone cuttting your off in traffic or holding you up in a store line.. When you notice that you are simply breathing with it and not being bothered as much as you might have been, give your meditation a little nod.  And when I do this, it reminds me what I want to make space in my day for meditation. That being said, you can simply set an intention when you wake up in the morning  to be more "mindful" or grateful as you move through your day, drawing in all the sights and sounds and aromas of the present moment. It is really difficult to be angry or upset in the present moment when you are drawing in the beauty around you. It doesn't mean you have to be totally in bliss all of the time or pushing down negative feelings or thoughts but instead just noticing when the opportunities arise to be fully present in the moment of whatever that moment might be (even if it's not the best moment).  We just often feel better if we are with the moment and in the moment as opposed to disconnected from the moment and this is what meditation helps me with.  I am still though a work in progress for sure. So, a long way to say, there is something for everyone through meditation and mindfulness. It is just about finding "your way". Hugs, Lorrie Loving the show? Let’s connect! Find me: Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years Instagram @Habitguru365 Website: https://lorriemickelson.com HabitGuru365 Youtube Channel Loving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond