World Meditation Day

The 21st of May is World Meditation Day. Whilst it's great to have a day to focus on meditation, it's not just a case of sitting in lotus for a while chanting Om. Meditation can be very difficult and for me took a years to connect with it, so maybe there's an unrealistic expectation of what can be achieved in one day.

Of course there are all the props you can buy to help you meditate - cushions (round, square, crescent), eye pillows, mala beads, lavender spray, sand bags etc. The "Instagram" version of meditation would have us on a deserted beach with no distractions, possibly in perfect lotus pose.

Meanwhile, back in real life where we might not have these props or a distraction-free environment, how can we get this same sense of peace and calm? A few weeks ago I was digging into how best to teach meditation and the answer I came up with was: just do it.

Meditation is tough and frustrating to start with, but there are no short cuts to that state of quietening the monkey mind, as Buddhism calls it. You just have to keep a regular practice, even if you can only meditate for a few minutes.

Like yoga, running or other activities, it needs a plan to build up to a longer practice. It requires patience, commitment, faith.  It can be practiced by itself (I do this a couple of days a week at lunchtime), or at the end of/ as a yoga practice.

I always say that I "do meditation". It's a verb, an action. There are lots of apps and resources (such as Insight Timer or Headspace) which might help. Mantra or music works for me, but there's walking meditation, guided meditation, amongst other options. Yoga Nidra, which is a deep relaxation too, is beautiful - as long as you don't fall asleep!

Start off with a couple of minutes. We all have busy lives, so make this realistic. Maybe you can carve out some corner in your home where you can "set the scene" for your practice. Maybe use some of those props I mentioned earlier if they help.

Meditation has lots of health benefits , but as always if this doesn't feel right for you or triggers you in any way, of course don't practice. It can be helpful to join a yoga class where meditation is part of the practice to get you started. I find it easier to meditate after a strong yoga practice and pranayama (breath work), but mix it up and see what works for you.

However you choose to begin, whatever you choose as your practice. It's the first step on the path that counts. In that sense, World Meditation Day, is a good starting place.

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