How to meditate and not feel weird about it How to meditate and not feel weird about it
Fabrice Midal
13 Feb 2019
Firstly, don't think of meditation as something self-involved or out of touch. It's a practical tool to make your life easier. Think of it as a rendezvous with yourself, touching base and keeping your mind, mood and even sleep cycle on track. Not everyone finds it easy to start, and that's fine. It takes a little change of mindset and habit. Here are five tips for meditation beginners to start you off on a valuable practice that makes every day feel meaningful.
1. Remember: it's about the everyday
Meditating is taking the time to listen to what’s happening in your life. You don't need to go to a retreat in the mountains to start feeling mindful and connected to yourself – and you don't have to learn any new chants, either (unless you want to). Sit on a chair or on a cushion to settle in your own body. Feel your feet on the floor, the light in the room, the temperature, the sounds. Then pay attention to your breathing. Don’t retreat into your shell; start by making yourself extra aware of the world that surrounds you. If you would like some guidance, let Michael Olajide Jr talk you through it.
2. Don’t feel bad about it
Some people find meditation to be a strange experience at first and feel discouraged; this is a huge challenge. Everyone can meditate. Nobody’s better at meditation than anyone else – find that place of quiet connection however you can. Centr meditations are designed to be accessible because they can guide you even if you feel your meditation ability is 'imperfect'. We can be tired, lost in our thoughts, not sitting perfectly straight, but it’s ok: we should just be the way we are right now.
Everyone meditates differently. Find your own 'perfect' place.
3. Take a walk
If you're not one for sitting still, try a moving meditation. Go for a walk. For 3-4 minutes, stay silent and instead focus on each of your senses. You just need to watch, listen, feel the temperature: you open yourself to a marvelous world. Most of the time, we forget that this world is right at our fingertips.
4. Make meals meditative
You can also make mindful meditation part of other activities, such as eating. This will enhance your experience of food as well as calming your mind and bringing you back to the present. It can also help you prevent mindless or accidental over-eating. Sergio Perera can get you started.
5. Be present with others
When you have a drink with some friends, listen to what they say, try to feel what they are living in the moment. Then listen to what you feel when they talk.
This exercise strengthens our ability to relate to others: we listen to words and emotions, and we are aware of their impact on us. Not only does this make us more open to meaningful interaction, but it is a kind of 'social mindfulness' that helps us appreciate the importance of our connection to others. This kind of practice will make it easier to connect with yourself.
6. Be kind to yourself
Because meditation allows us to step back and look at ourselves, we can find this self-reflection embarrassing or confronting – but it should be an experience of wonder and self-compassion. Stop judging yourself, appreciate the moment and focus on all the good things you can feel when you are practicing mindfulness.
