Five-Minute Breath Meditation
I am not a monk or a sage or a priest. I do not have my Master's in Mindfulness.
I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend who has developed a meditation practice that has brought me great comfort and insight as I navigate the roller coaster of life. Through my contemplative meditation practice I am striving to establish a well being that is loving, kind, compassionate and resilient. I am trying to connect with my inner essence which is not defined by the labels and conditioning of my life. It has taken me years to develop a practice and it will always take practice. It is a practice of developing a calm and peace that I can maintain and share.
I recently read, A Million Thoughts, by Om Swami. I appreciate his eloquent definitions of meditation.
”Meditation is a way of life...Meditation gives the grace and mindfulness to ease through life...Meditation remodels you so that you become a catalyst for positive change...Meditation is the ability to retain your virtues (forgiveness, peace, compassion) in the face of all adversities...Meditation is about knowing and feeling that you are complete, perfect and whole.” Om Swami
Om Swami is an expert - a renowned sage - and I so appreciate his wisdom about meditation. However, I struggle with his proclamation that there is a “correct” way to meditate. I believe that any effort, any attempt to sit and quiet the mind is worthwhile. Certainly there are ways and techniques to deepen a practice but my personal mission is to inspire people to hit the pause button on life even for just a couple minutes. I believe even a couple minutes of bringing calm to the body and mind is absolutely beneficial for the body, mind and soul.
This personal mission compels me to share meditation with anyone who will listen. There is more and more scientific research confirming its health benefits, but I can only speak to what I have experienced. My meditation practice has made me a better person. I listen better. I'm more present. Life is busy and messy and hard; now I turn to my meditation practice to help me find calm and clarity.
My goal in sharing this is to make meditation more possible for more people. It doesn’t have to be daunting and intimidating. You don’t have to go to school to learn it. Anyone and everyone can do it. The hardest part is pushing the pause button on life. Hit the pause button with me and let’s just see what happens. Let’s start with a simple five-minute breath meditation.