Meditation and Well-Being
Being diagnosed with both Colon and Breast Cancer simultaneously in July 2015 heightened my self-awareness big time! It slapped me in the face and said — Girl, you better appreciate each precious moment you’ve been given because this cancer fight is as fluid as life. I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, but facing your mortality can be seen as a blessing. It affords you a second chance to treasure your life, family, and friends, like never before.
As a Survivor, I’ve made it a priority to cherish each moment, even naming my blog — www.Livinginthemoment2015.com, marking the year of my diagnosis and its impact. But, don’t get me wrong, you should not wait for some tragedy or moment of truth to start living a mindful and conscious life. I hope that my story will serve as an opportunity to learn to appreciate the silence in meditation and the awareness it brings.
Make a practice of Meditation to live in the here and now, not the past or the future. Realize that NOW is the only reality there is.
Meditation exercises have been proven to lower stress, anxiety, and depression. I feel a greater sense of self-awareness, calmness, and gratitude. Remember, one meditation style does not fit all. Find your space and time that makes it more likely to foster a routine of daily practice for cultivating well-being. Establish a simple meditation process taking a few minutes a day.
My 10 Minute Morning Meditation Routine:
- Set 10 minutes aside.
- Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor, spine straight, but not rigid, body relaxed—hands in your lap. Release any tension in your jaw, shoulders, neck, or anywhere you may have the habit of holding stress.
- Breathing through your nose, take a gentle but deep inhale. And as you release the exhale, allow your eyes to drift closed, or if you prefer, just lower and soften your gaze.
- Notice your breath as you set your intention to be present for this Meditation.
- Let your breath come to you naturally; breathe in, breathe out. When thoughts arise, as they will, notice them and let them pass away.
- Gently return your attention to breathing. Calming, centering, constant. There is only this moment, this breath, connecting mind and body.
- As I focus on my breathing, I repeat: (or just focus on your breathing)
- Today is a beautiful day of opportunity.
- I am exactly where I need to be.
- I open myself to the Universe and trust in the unfolding of my life.
- When you hear your 10 min, alert, take a deep, intentional inhale, and with your exhale, release your attention to the breath, and open your eyes. (Meditate longer if you’d prefer.)
I use this method every morning to set my intention for the day. So, no matter how the day unfolds, I know this tool is always available to me.
“As you move through your day, it may be helpful to remember that breath is always with you and can be used, “In the Moment,” as a method to calm and focus your mind.” Mindful.org
Namaste 🙏🏼