Wednesdays - Meditation and Stress Release

“How do I make time for meditation in my busy schedule?”  This is one of the most common questions I am asked.

In an already congested daily schedule some folks have little to no time invested in self-care.  I understand this.  As a single mother I was focused on raising 3 children, working, running a home and participating in our community's development. Adding another item to my bundle just seemed impossible.  It took getting completely run down, sick and unhappy before I would feel “…something has to change.”

I became interested in how different cultures viewed happiness and spirituality. As I visited different parts of the globe I noticed how happy individuals were who to me seemed to have so little in their lives.  Each day appeared to be a struggle for many of the people I was privileged to sit with and hear their stories.  Getting clean water, enough food, and shelter for their families were day-to-day concerns. But they still maintained this joyful spirit.

 

What I began to recognize was this – they all believe in something far greater than what we are consciously experiencing in this brief existence on earth. They explained how they connect with this greater power each day through prayer or meditation – how they connect with the Earth and all her blessings of life.  They give offerings to show their deep gratitude to the Sky, Water, Air, Fire and all of the ancestors who have come before and after this life.  There was genuine bliss in the knowing that they were connecting with something far greater than the human mind can possibly imagine. How many of us do this on a day-to-day basis? Imagine doing this 2 to 5 times a day.

I thought I learned some things during these visits but as the years have gone by I realize I am only beginning to gain some understanding.

So, back to the original question – “How do I make time for meditation ….?”  I started by asking myself a few questions regarding what is it I believe in? What could be my role in the larger scheme of life? Am I willing to explore this? How do I show my gratitude for all the abundance in this life?” 

 

I have made a commitment that meditation will be a part of my day just as eating, drinking water, showering and brushing my teeth are.  Throughout each day I stop and take time to connect with just the moment I am in.  From this point everything else I experience has a sturdier foundation to build upon.

FYI - No one is going to come to your door and say, “Hi! I’m here to meditate for you so you can have a more fulfilled and meaningful life.”  It just isn’t going to happen.

When you decide…all else will follow.

Deborah