Let’s take a look at your self-care regime. You exercise a handful of times a week, eat well (for the most part), and sleep fairly soundly. Work or school is going well, so why do you need to meditate?
Isn’t meditating for people who float around in their caftans with their free-flowing hair? You know, those who eat only organic food and would never in a million years drink a can of 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. Which is not true at all. On all accounts!
What is meditating?
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.
People can meditate for minutes to hours.
Guess who has a hard time meditating?
Me.
UnMeditation
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!
Just to be clear, I don’t drink Diet Coke. That often.
Here’s the kicker: you can “unmeditate” ANYWHERE!
On a walk. In the shower. While drinking tea. Standing on one foot while brushing your teeth, like I am in the feature image. Try that – it’s fun, efficient and functional! And the best part is that it can take 30 seconds to a full 5 minutes which is all I can handle, at this time in my life. I hope one day I can do a full 30 minutes. Baby steps.
That’s why @TheAkiraConcept calls it Unmeditation because 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!
But why do you need to meditate?
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 daily grind of stress. It’s the act of moving from one activity to another, with “surprises” along the way.
For instance, let’s say that I have an emotionally draining Zoom meeting at 9:00 AM. Moments after the meeting – or perhaps in the middle of my meeting, my son calls me in a panic because the washing machines in his dorms are not working.
In this example, my emotional state is going from intense concentration, combined with extreme emotions to become patient and calm in a matter of minutes. Or seconds.
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 answer my son’s call calmly, letting him know that I will be with him in a moment, after my meeting.
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.
Also, for the most uplifting “shot” of self-care, check out No Worries.
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.
🙂
I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write about you and your passions for the Braves The Waves Journal, or for your own company, please be in touch.
