Yoga & Meditation Changed My Life

Yoga on Beach3

After my divorce was finalized, I went through an entire new set of emotions of insecurity, uncertainty, failure, disappointment, anger and grief. So, I woke up one morning and said to myself, I want to explore yoga. I went to yoga class 3 times a week for 6 months.  It was a life changing experience.  I learned many techniques but the one I use the most is “Breathing”.  When I start to feel anxious about a project at work or nervous before a performance, I take 3 deep and slow breathes. You can find many types of breathing exercises on-line.  Find the one that best fits your lifestyle.  I practiced meditation at the beginning and end of each yoga session.  Now, I do not mediate everyday but I do participate in the 21 Day Meditation every time it is offered online.  If I miss a day, I may complete two guided meditations back to back.  At the end of the 21 Days, a significant event or shift happens in my life for the good. The last 21 Day Meditation was on Hope and was completed one week prior to be launching this site.

Here are a few myths I use to believe before taking a leap into this creative life experience of meditation:

 You have to quiet the mind – no thoughts

 You have to meditate for long periods of time

 Meditation is a spiritual or religious practice

When I meditate, it’s usually before I go to bed at night to help me sleep and prepare for the next day.   During three Women’s Retreats in North Carolina, sponsored by my therapist who help me during my separation period of my marriage, I felt so free in nature.  I experienced tranquility and transformation. I was a little concerned about the bears. The sound of the water on the beach and the sound of silence in the mountains is something I hope you get to experience in your lifetime if you haven’t done so.  During the womens’ retreat, we had time each day to pray, meditate and/or be silent. Participating in creative exercises such as a vision board helped one learn something new and help set goals for oneself.  I hope to share the experiences of other women who attended these retreats in a future post.

Guided meditations helped me to let go and let God as well as become the master of my thoughts.  Meditation is not a spiritual practice but I’ve use it to determine what I should pray about. There are so many things going on in the world outside of ourselves to meditate on.

Meditation Rock in Asheville, NC

Meditation Rock in Asheville, NC

Meditation can help us to not get stressed-out about things we don’t understand and have no direct control over.  After meditation, I feel rejuvenated and answers to questions are revealed to me.  We’ve all heard that we have the answers inside of us like Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. It is good to take some time to be still and listen. During meditation time, I can find peace in the midst of the storms of life.

If you have benefited from meditation or have questions, leave a comment. Also,if you start practicing meditation after reading this post, come back and let us know how it helps you. Check out this site for Beginner Meditations. by mindbodygreen.

 

NAMASTE