Meditation requires us to go inwards. It asks that we be still, if for a moment in time. Eliminating distraction and henceforth connecting to…well, whatever’s there.

What’s there may be your breakup. It may be your to-do list. Your yearning for the dreams you haven’t yet met.

It’s not always peaceful, although we’d like it to be. It’s not always joyous, although we long for it to be. This is simply how it is at the surface of the mind.

For this reason, meditating can feel hard. Perhaps somewhat unimportant. And so, we avoid.

In the times where I’ve dodged meditation, I’ve observed that when I come back to sit it’s overwhelming for a minute, maybe more depending on what I’m going through.

After that, calm settles in. Nestling into the heart space like it’s wanted to do all along.

Mostly, meditating again feels like a sigh of relief.

It continues in this cycle. Bouts of discomfort, contractions if you will. Followed by calm once more.

When you start to lean on your breath, breathing becomes the wave you ride rather than the thoughts in your head.

Beneath the overwhelm, past your current circumstance, your meditation starts to show you what’s really there. Underneath the layers. Underneath the stress.

Gentleness. Love. Grace. A willingness to continue.

And sometimes, if you’re lucky…guidance. 

When you are met with a meditation block. Meaning that you have every intention of meditating, but in reality it’s just not happening. Whether it’s emotional avoidance or simply a perceived lack of time.

Here are 3 universal things you can do to make it easier, gentler, and start practicing again…

Shorten the time to 5 minutes. 

Rather than trying to carve out 20-30 minutes, allot 5 minutes for your meditation. This instantly takes the pressure off. It feels do-able and so, it is done. And yes, the benefits you get from that time will still be plentiful.

Pair it with your movement routine. 

When I’m not feeling it, I start with yoga and I’m normally inspired to meditate after that. Traditionally the physical yoga practice was designed to prepare the body for meditation. I’ve found that to be true on a mental level as well. Not into yoga? Meditation following pilates or any kind of workout is great. Alleviate physical restlessness, and the mental restlessness subsides with it.

Meditate after journaling/writing out your to-do list

Sometimes getting everything you’re thinking out onto paper helps. You’ll be more comfortable resting in the stillness that is to come. Any worries, feelings, upcoming tasks, subconscious thoughts or stories — write them out before you meditate.

A Note — The whole ‘no thoughts’ thing, that’s not the point. Spaciousness is the point. By creating space during phases of your life where you’re experiencing anxiousness or avoidance, you create a gap of relief. Detachment from the story, a chance to heal. This is the benefit it brings.

Let meditation be your way through, carrying you peace even (and especially) in the instances where you were shying away from it.

When you don’t want to do it…perhaps that’s when you should. I’ve spent my fair share of time avoiding the practice for days, weeks, on end. And then you’re reminded of the peace. At the exact right time. You’re nudged towards the deeper part of you, the part that wholehearted knows it’ll be okay.

Listen to your body. The art of meditating can be found through spending time in nature as well. When all else fails, turn to her. The lessons of grace, patience, and love will be there all the same.

xx, jewels 

Have you tried any of these in the past? I would love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comment section below