I'm learning to meditate

Finding stillness in 2020

This year one of my goals is to learn to mediate. 

A strong, consistent practice that I have in my back pocket anytime I need. 

The desire to learn meditation comes from a strong belief in the multifactorial benefits not only for my own health & wellbeing, but also indirectly for those around me. Like my partner, family, friends, and of course my dog. There is an innate calling, to complete my health puzzle, with a strong consistent practice for the mind.

Over the years I have dabbled with various mindfulness, breathing +/or mediation techniques, which have been incredibly helpful and valuable tools in my life. However, the lack of consistency and coherency within these practices naturally reflects my energy, productivity, reaction to stress, sleep & mood; highlighting the fact, that if I want to see long term health effects, I need to practice long term. 

Just like exercising, or eating nutritious food.

So, this year I made it a priority and joined a 4x day Vedic Meditation course with Kathleen O’Brien, from Mahasoma Melbourne. @kathleenobrien @mahasoma. 

Mahasoma is a Vedic Meditation community, offering courses, group meditation & events, across Melbourne, with their home base in Elwood.

Vedic Meditation is an effortless transcending technique or ‘easy letting go practice’. An eyes closed technique using a personalised mantra given to you on day 1 of the course.

I came across @mahasoma through Kathleen (a past uni peer), who so willingly shared her personal experience with Vedic Meditation as I expressed my curiosity. I was immediately attracted.

Partly due to the long traditional history, coupled with supported evidence based science. But most importantly, my respect and admiration for Kathleen as an individual meant there was already a solid level of trust, and resonation.

Throughout the course, Kathleen beautifully unpacked the deeper impacts of internal and external stressors that accompany our 21st century inner city lives. And how they begin to manifest in our day to day life (physically, mentally & emotionally). Her knowledge and wisdom was poetic, yet practical & tangible for anyone to grasp and relate to. 

These concepts are far from new to me as allied health professional. But I too, need to consider all aspects of my life to thrive. It was a welcomed kind reminder that having practice for the mind is just as important as a physical one. 

So far, I have been practicing for 10 days, twice daily for 20mins morning and afternoon. And benefits have been immediate. 

I am less reactive, and more proactive. 

My sleep quality has improved, even though the quantity is still slight. 

My energy, focus, and mood is consistent throughout the day.

I’m living more in the present moment now, that I have in a long time.  

I’v stopped worrying about all the things I need to get done (tonight, tomorrow, next week etc)…and i’m ticking boxes left, right & centre.

I’m training again with purpose and vigour. 

And the stress and anxiety that comes with running a business, whilst back at uni full time seems to slide off my shoulders a little easier than it has in the past.

10 days’ isn’t a lot. It’s a rather very short amount of time. 

However, the time I have gained from giving 40mins a day to deep rest, is trade off i’m willing to continue. 

I am incredibly grateful towards Kathleen and Mahasoma for sharing their knowledge and wisdom with me, and I could not recommend this course highly enough to anyone looking to optimise their life.

It’s an investment for today, tomorrow, and many years to come. You may just add a few extra years on the end too.