22 Apr Meditation Series: Quieting the Mind Part 1
There is so much to share with you regarding quieting the Mind and developing a Meditation practice, that I’ve broken it down into small steps so that it’s not overwhelming. This post is the first and very important step.
The Dalai Lama started his spiritual training at 4 years old. It’s safe to assume this included Meditation. He is now 85 years old. It’s also safe to assume that he has been meditating every day for all those years. I heard him once say that he too has random thoughts going through his mind while meditating (though far fewer than mine, I’m sure). Given that you haven’t spent the past 81 years (29,565 days) training yourself to meditate, with the most experienced teachers guiding you every step of the way, could you please be a little gentle with your expectations of yourself? See this as a Journey, manage your expectations and enjoy the process of coming to know yourself at a much deeper level, even if your mind is a little noisy at times.
That’s my first point.
Second Point
You can’t possibly expect your brain to go from 100kms/hr. to 5 kms/hr. in an instant, when you’ve been hard-wired for action and safety your whole life. Those neural pathways you’ve been travelling with anxious/ busy/ intense, emotion-fueled thoughts, have been etched deeply in your brain. They’re like superhighways! It takes just the slightest stimulation, and *whoosh* off you go down the superhighway, which then leads to another superhighway thought, then another, and another. You know how it goes! Do this often enough and it can become a very familiar state of being, so much so that you might find yourself thinking ”Well, this is just who I am”. No, not true. It may be who you’ve become, but it’s not who you are at the deepest level of your Being. As well, Brain Science today, Neuroplasticity to be precise, tells us that the brain can change, so even if it’s who you’ve become, you can change that. You can create any kind of brain you want. Happy, sad, active, hyper-active, calm, peaceful…..you name it. Some of the things I’ll be sharing with you in this Meditation Series, will help you train your brain to be still.
IMPORTANT STEP: Begin developing a Meditation Practice by learning how to access the Vagus Nerve/Parasypathetic Nervous system. This is a crucial step in learning how to Meditate. Recalibrating to the Parasympathetic Nervous System will help your mind, body and emotions slow down, thereby making it much easier to enter a meditative state. Please click here for a full description on how to do this.
Third Point
There are a number of other things that can contribute to havimg a racing/active mind, that would make Meditation challenging. Here are some of them:
- Anxiety, PTSD, ADD, ADHD, excitement, being in a highly creative/imaginative mood, being un-grounded.
- Hormonal imbalances, low blood sugar, allergies, food and chemical sensitivities, inflammation, addictions, consuming stimulants, a full stomach.
- High levels of stress, anger, feeling overwhelmed, worrying, being on high alert, exhaustion.
- Exterior noise, electronic noise, even WIFI can be too much stimulation for those who are extremely sensitive. Please note: that prolonged levels of high stress can make you more sensitive to everything.
- Even the time of day can affect your capacity to meditate. Example: If you’re a night owl, meditating in the morning can be very challenging. Trying to meditate when your home is active with people coming and going is also challenging.
So, as you can see, there can be many reasons why you might be having trouble quieting your Mind.
It’s all in the Training
One day, you will be so skilled at Meditating that none of the above will affect your ability to go into a state of deep Meditation. However, while in training, you have to plan for a successful Meditation by bringing your most balanced self to the meditation moment. If you are experiencing any of the above, address them FIRST. After doing so, begin following your daily Conscious Breathing practice with Meditation.
Even with all this, there are going to be days when you just can’t quiet your mind. And that’s okay! It goes like that for everyone, so please don’t judge yourself. The important thing is to keep showing up for your practice. On days when your mind won’t calm down and you can’t Meditate, do your Conscious Breathing and know that you’ve done something good for yourself. I guarantee you that with practice, you’ll train your brain to be quiet(er). It just takes some time and training.
***Remember: Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before making changes to your lifestyle.
You may be interested in these Posts
Use Visualization to reduce stress
How do you find your Power during times of great Uncertainty?
Life Skills and Empowerment Strategies
The beautiful photograph above was taken by the amazing landscape photographer Andrew Locking.
Thank you for taking time to read this post! The right information at the right time is a most powerful catalyst for change. For Coaching, Workshops or an Inspiring Talk on this valuable topic, please call me.
Kristina Jansz, Life Skills and Empowerment Strategies 705 794-9900 | [email protected]
(c) Titans International Inc. Kristina Jansz 2019, 2020-2050
Waiver of Liability: This article is not meant to diagnose or to be a guide for self-diagnosis. The sole purpose of this article is strictly for educational purposes. This Waiver of Liability releases Kristina Jansz, Titans International Inc. and all its Representatives from any and all liability for and waive any and all claims for liability, injury, illness, loss, death, damages, expense, including lawyer’s fees, or other loss in any way connected with Ms Jansz’s Counseling/Coaching Programs, Workshops, Blog Posts and other Activities, whether or not caused in whole or in part by the negligence including gross negligence or other by Kristina Jansz, Titans International Inc. or its Representatives.
No Comments