If you’ve ever had anxiety, you might know the feeling – it’s like having a heavily caffeinated squirrel running laps in your brain, occasionally nibbling on your nerves. You don’t remember inviting this squirrel, yet here it is, often coming out of nowhere, turning your internal monologue into a frantic rave of unwanted emotions and negative ideas. So when someone suggested I try meditation to calm the squirrel, I was sceptical. I mean, how could sitting quietly, doing absolutely nothing, help with anything? Well, I was in for a surprise.
The Reluctant Beginning
I started out using the Insight Timer app and dove into their 7-day intro. It’s only 10 minutes a day, sitting alone in a dark room with headphones on – I can commit to that. The first time I tried, every possible distraction manifested itself. Was I breathing too loudly? Why did my leg itch all of a sudden? And why was I obsessing over that embarrassing date I had in 2011, during my “relaxation” time? Despite these initial hurdles, I persevered – if I couldn’t commit to 10-mins a day, I was already doomed, and I at least needed to prove to myself it was silly new-age nonsense.
From Frantic to Focused
Once the week intro course was over, I wasn’t convinced it worked as prescribed, but I had enjoyed the 10 mins of silence, breaking my day up. So I decided to give it a full month. It was then around the two-week mark when I noticed a shift. I still had thoughts bombarding me, but instead of spiralling into a frenzied anxiety loop, they just… floated by. It was like watching a parade of my most random thoughts and letting them pass without much attachment. Yes, the squirrel was still there, but it seemed more interested in the parade than chewing on my synapses. It kind of felt like I was sat a little further back, almost next to the squirrel, as we watched the chaos ensue with somewhat less anxiety than before.
Discovering The Power in the Present
By month two, I was starting to feel the benefits, but I wanted to know why and how it worked. I was then introduced to the book, “The Power of Now”, by Eckhart Tolle. Moreover, I was told I only needed to read the first chapter and that the limited commitment needed was, again, what sold me on it.
Tolle emphasizes the transformative potential of living in the present moment, a concept which resonated deeply with my quest for inner peace. Instead of being ensnared by past regrets or future anxieties, Tolle suggests anchoring oneself firmly in the ‘now’.
This was a game-changer for me. My anxiety, I realised, was often rooted in ruminations of the past or apprehensions about the future. As Tolle advises, I find a pocket of serenity even amidst chaos by focusing on the present moment. His teachings, punctuated with practical insights and wisdom, offered a fresh lens through which I began to view my internal world. It was enlightening to understand that true power and peace lie not in resisting life’s ebb and flow but in embracing the here and now with open arms
Beyond the Mat – Taking Meditation Everywhere
A few months into my journey, meditation became more than just a daily ritual. It was a tool I carried everywhere. Stressed during a work meeting? A few focused breaths. Overwhelmed by the crowded bus journey? A mini-mindfulness moment. The best part – nobody even noticed these mini-meditative moments. It was my secret superpower.
Top Tips for the Meditation-Curious
For those pondering whether to dip their toes into the tranquil waters of meditation, here are a few tidbits:
Just Start: You don’t need an elaborate setup. A quiet corner and a few minutes are enough.
Apps are Your Friends: Apps like Insight Timer, Headspace or Calm come with guided meditations and are perfect for beginners.
Laugh at Yourself: When you find yourself dozing off or daydreaming about pizza during meditation, chuckle and move on. It’s all part of the process.
Be Patient: Like any other skill, meditation takes time. Celebrate small victories – even if it’s just remembering to meditate!
Stay Open: There are many forms of meditation – from the traditional sitting practice to walking meditations or even dance meditations. Find what resonates with you.
While meditation hasn’t banished my anxiety, it has given me a leash to control that overly-energetic squirrel in my brain. The journey, with all its hiccups, laughs, and revelations, has been truly transformative. For those on the fence about meditation, give it a go. You might just discover a newfound love, and at the very least, you’ll have some fun stories to share. So, why not take a deep breath, and dive in? The serene shores of mindfulness await!
