When we talk about meditation, we don’t mean you need to become a monk, sit cross-legged with your hands on your knees making the ok-symbol going “ohhhmmmmmm” over and over trying to reach a new state of consciousness. Meditation can mean different things to different people, and practicing mindfulness is the art of letting your mind wander, noticing, and returning your attention to the present while being kind to your inner self.
For many of us, it’s easy to forget to put aside time to (what seems like) stare off into space for a few minutes- which is why we like the Headspace app to help us on our journey. There are different guided meditations each day, if that’s what you prefer, but there are also different “packs” which are a bundle of sessions targeted to a specific area of focus. For example, sleeping, pain management, self esteem, anger, balance, productivity, you name it. Plus, you can set up daily reminders, and the narrator has a very calm voice and assures you that it’s okay if you fall asleep during your practice. Seriously, no judgement!
Another helpful app that’s a totally different style from Headspace is called Calm. Both Headspace and Calm have subscription options, but with Calm there are more free things to access than Headspace. It has lots of different white noise like sounds to put on to help you relax or fall asleep like ocean sounds and rain, breathing exercises and guided meditations, but most interestingly it has “sleep stories” which are basically grown up bedtime stories that are voiced by famous actors. You wouldn’t think so but the actor who plays Bronn in Game of Thrones has a surprisingly smooth voice when he’s not stabbing people in battle scenes.
Imagine a 2018 where you’re less stressed, more productive, and have better relationships- it’s totally possible with just a few minutes a day.
Author : The Slowear Journal