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About a year ago, if you asked me about the best way to meditate, I would have raised my hands in the air, shake my head and say “no clue…plus, I don’t meditate! Never. I don’t have time.”
Since the pandemic hit, I can say with confidence, that it was the perfect opportunity for me to begin to meditate. And I have been. And it’s been very helpful.
However… now it’s time to meditate a bit more.
These days I need it more than ever. You may be asking yourself why that is. Perhaps it’s because a new book has something to do about it? I’m nodding yes.
Besides what’s on MY plate, it’s safe to assume that everyone is busy. We all have a million things to do, with priorities and jobs to take care of, so meditation time may take a back seat for many.
That’s the kicker – I’m not talking about what you think meditating is.
Do you know those people who float around in their caftans with their free-flowing hair? Those who eat only organic food, and would never in a million years drink Diet Coke? I’m totally stereotyping right here and you can “boo” me all you want, but I bet you the majority of the world thinks those “type of people” are the only ones who are willing to meditate.
Just like the same people who eat tofu.
All this is not true at all. On all accounts! For the record, I eat tofu and indulge in the occasional Diet Coke.
I can guarantee that you’ve heard the term before and anyone can google “meditate” to get the real explanation of this practice, but here it is in a nutshell: According to Mindful.org, it’s the art of paying attention to our breath as it goes in and out of our bodies. When this happens, we can practice mindfulness, which allows us to be in a relaxed state, yet conscious of the present moment. We don’t judge or criticize or think about the grocery list that needs to get done.
In other words – you are sitting the heck down and seriously chilling. In my world, this is very hard, but as the saying goes, I can do hard things. Although I was practicing this ritual here and there, I need to do more of this now.
Kind of like realizing you need more water or vegetables in your diet.
People can meditate for minutes to hours. At this point in my life, I have found the best and the only way I can meditate is if I can “unmeditate.” Let me explain.
If it wasn’t for @theakiraconcept and The Akira State Workbook, I would not be here, tip-tapping on my laptop about the beautiful and oh-so-easy act of “unmeditating”. And, best of all, I have learned that you don’t have to be a free-flowing organic food lover who doesn’t drink Diet Coke to meditate!
The best way to meditate is easier than you think.
On a walk. In the shower. While drinking tea. Laying on a couch and just thinking, as I am in the feature image. And the best part is that it can take 30 seconds to a full 5 minutes.
That’s why @TheAkiraConcept calls it unmeditation. It’s meditation according to you – that makes sense and feels right. Your lifestyle. Your terms. No judgment. It’s turning “I can’t” into “I can”. And honey, with these rules, you bet I can unmeditate. And so can you!
From all the physical activity that I do – not just my running and lifting weights with @absfitness and @coach_debra_basch, but the hauling of groceries, the moving of furniture (hey – you never know when you want to move a couch or chair around), and the stress that accompanies a really big project. (like a book!)
By practicing Unmeditation, just a little bit each day, I am training my emotional state and nervous system to switch gears with greater ease. I can go from being a guest on a podcast to writing a new blog (like this!) fairly easily.
Can you imagine what would happen if I didn’t practice unmeditation? I don’t want to even go there.
For a more detailed explanation of understanding the nervous system, which is the main culprit for handling my beautiful emotionally stable transition above, please have a look here. It’s all in The Akira State Workbook.
So my lovelies, it’s time to take a few minutes of your day and sit still. Take a breather. Chill. Be in the moment. Your day may still be hectic and full of stress, but you will be able to handle it a bit easier, as you sip your Diet Coke.