I think lots of meditation teachers have heard the line "I can't meditate, I'm always thinking". That's a good thing, I meant that is what our brains are supposed to do. But it is exhausting. Especially if you are constantly ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future. The best description I have heard anywhere is it is like leash training a dog. At first your brain needs to check out every little thing it notices or flies by, like a puppy, but eventually it settles in and stops trying to wander off. This means that you are able to be more fully present more of the time.
For me it is a necessity, in some ways my brain works harder than it used to, to make up for the damage done. I almost alway shave to take a "brain break" late afternoon. It was my occupational therapist who pointed out that I was meditating. Duh...
But where do you start? I like the idea of using a mantra. Something for your brain to do. Yes, you can do guided meditations, use an app like insight timer. I'll share a secret, I only like guided meditations when I know the person doing it, or as a group where you can discuss afterwards. I never do them on my own. I know some people prefer them, that's cool, you do you. But I like that this using a mantra, you can do anywhere anytime without your phone or headphones, no one needs to know you are really doing it, and it provides a tool for when you mind is full of racing, unhelpful thoughts.
So then what mantra do you use? In the video below I use "Om". Simple and powerful. Most meditators end up finding a mantra that resonates with them. It doesn't have to be in Sanskrit, it can totally be in English. In the past I have used "I am safe (inhale) I am loved (exhale)". My mantra I use most of the time is "Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" or even just "Ram Ram Ram Ram". When I am out for my walks it becomes my cadence, it grounds me and brings me centred.
The sound "Om" is well known. It is said to be the sound of universe both in Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. It has four parts; "Ah" the beginning, the deity Brahma as the creator, "ooh" the middle, the deity Vishnu the preserver, and "mmm" the end, Vishnu the destroyer. Lastly the is the silence in between which is the atman, or place beyond. Then entirety of life in one sound. So we begin with the simplest and yet most complex of sounds.
The best part about mantra is it doesn't matter if you say it out loud or in your head, so you can do it anywhere. Last summer when we were out on the boat, my husband was worried about me getting board. I sat and meditated while he napped and fished. As you get better and better at it your brain doesn't interrupt you nearly as often. Like an older dog it lays down beside you and enjoys the stillness (it was a good thing I set a timer on my watch for 5 minutes or your introduction to mediation would have ended up an advanced video of me sitting in stillness). When I am going to do something challenging for me, it is my support rather than worrying.
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