Meditating by myself is hard. 

I know it’s easy for many people, but it’s never been that way for me. 

Maybe when they were passing out the “zen gene” I was in the dancing lineup?

I could have easily given up on meditation, but I couldn’t ignore the way I felt after meditating. I needed more of that in my life. 

So, here’s what I did. 

1. I started small. Meditating for 5 minutes is enough. If I tell myself I need 30 minutes, I’m more likely to talk myself out of it altogether. But if I plan to sit for 5, I often stay much longer once I get there. 
2. Sometimes I allow my muse to decide. I take extra-long baths (the kind where the water gets cold and I have to top up). This is the place I find myself naturally called to meditate, without even trying. If you’ve ever meditated in water, you’ll understand the delight I’m talking about! I also take long walks and park benches call out to me too. Spontaneous meditation is the best. 
3. I meditate with others. The collective energy of meditating in a group is powerful and helps keep me accountable for my goals. Over the years I’ve taken meditation classes, set up meditation dates with friends, or watched meditation videos. All of these have helped strengthen my commitment and ability to meditate.
4. I meditate with a song, timer, video, or other “container”. When I was first learning to meditate, having something to hold me was critical. Whether it’s a gentle (no-lyrics) song or a 5-minute timer, it can provide a container for the sometimes wild world of our own thoughts. 
5. I teach others. I’ve been teaching meditation since the 1990s and it still amazes me how much it gives back. When I’m leading others, I’m also receiving benefits. It keeps me motivated and I get to share my love of this beautiful practice! 
6. I don’t ‘should’ on myself. If today isn’t the best day to meditate, I don’t meditate. If you can’t bring yourself to do it, just try again tomorrow. The practice will always be there waiting for you. 

With Love, 
Carolyn

Join Carolyn and Tamika for their online Teaching Meditation in the Modern Age certification program. Registration closes on March 3, 2023.