I meditate. You should, too. Here’s why.

Meditation can help you boost many aspects of your life.

Today’s article, I’m going to share with you my story on meditation practice, when I started it, which apps I’ve used, and the benefits of meditation to my life.

What is meditation?

I can say that meditation is the art of bringing us back to the present moment how it is. It is not about pushing away unpleasant thoughts or feelings but learning to observe them detached, in a non-judgemental way.

In a nutshell, meditation consists of paying attention to here and now, usually through your breathing, or something else around you like sounds, feelings, sensations in your body, and so.

Most of the meditators, I am included, are used to meditating tune in to the breathing. This practice is all about concentration. It’s simple, but not easy. As our human mind is addicted to thoughts, and it’s hard to silence our monkey mind. It requires time, persistence, and self-compassion. Days are easier to meditate than others. But what really matters is to keep on track, even when you feel that you can’t concentrate well.

I’ve been meditating for over the past three years. I don’t remember what made me get into this practice. I started using the “Stop, Breathe & Think: Meditation & Mindfulness” app. I spent months listening to free guided meditations. I used to love the stickers we got after a couple of meditations or each goal reached. These stickers were fun and helped me to keep it up.

When I got bored to listen to the same meditations on the Stop, Breath & Think app, I tried three more apps: Headspace: Meditation & Sleep, Insight Timer – Free Meditation, and Waking Up: A Meditation Course

Then, I came across the Calm app (I’ve been using it so far). I love this app. For two years, I paid for an annual membership. In the third year I decided to take the lifetime membership. There are guided meditations for many aspects of life such as anxiety, stress, work, self-care, inner peace, focus, emotions, relationships, personal growth, and so forth. Not to mention, interesting features like a calendar with streaks and history, mood check-in history, calm body, calm masterclass, and so.

Benefits of meditation

I could see the benefits of meditation on my:

• focus
• patience
• compassion
• sleep
• workouts
• sex life
• understanding and labeling my emotions
• understanding of people’s limitations and flaws

Of course, I still have hard days, but now I’m aware of these hardships in my life, and I’m a better responder to these circumstances.

When someone tells me they’re anxious, stressed, impatient, bad sleeper. All of sudden, I ask them if they have heard about meditation and what it consists of.

Some of them say “Yes, I’ve heard it, but it’s not for me”, others say “Yes, I’ve tried it, but I can’t stop thinking.” Unfortunately, this is a misunderstanding about meditation. Meditation is for everyone who is interested in it. You don’t need any specific skills for meditating. What you need is willpower.

How and when meditating

I’m used to meditating in the morning. I’m an early-bird. But this is totally up to you. Find the time that better fits you. Most meditators prefer to meditate in the morning as we can bring these good purposes throughout the day.

It’s important you find a quiet place to sit comfortably. This is not a rule, again you’ll decide the best place for your meditation. There are people who prefer to lay in bed.

That’s it. I hope you give yourself the opportunity to meditate and bear its benefits.

Now, tell me, in the comment section below, do you practice meditation? What’s changed in your life since then?