5 Alternate Ways to Meditate in a Busy World
When your schedule is crazy, sometimes you need to find alternate ways to meditate.
Why We Need to Meditate
There are many reasons to meditate, yet with modern technology and a desire for instant gratification, so many of us have trouble sitting for an extended period of time. With kids, work, life, and schedules, it can be quite difficult to take the essential time needed to assume the lotus position. However, it’s difficult to ignore the scientifically proven benefits of connecting to our higher selves through meditation. From increased focus to peace, compassion, reduced anxiety, and guidance, meditation can provide some incredible results.
So what do we do if the traditional practice of meditation just doesn’t “sit” right with us? If it doesn’t fit into our life, we are more hesitant to make time for it. Finding alternate ways to meditate that feels good is the key to allowing ourselves to commit to a daily practice of meditation that creates a sense of balance and provides us with the freedom to still live our busy lives.
Here are FIVE Alternate Ways to Meditate in a busy world:
Alternate Ways to Meditate #1 – Plant a Garden
Turn the electronics off and get outside! Gardening allows us to remember our connection to mother earth. Feeling the soil in our hands and remember the beauty that is naturally created can help us feel grounded. When we lead busy lives we can become wrapped up in appointments and dates, forgetting to take the time needed to recharge our batteries. Gardening allows us to remember we are one with the earth and that is our true anchor to the higher self. When we spend time gardening, our brains will naturally slow down as we become more present in our task. Planting a garden will also create a space for future meditation, one which we can grow and bloom from the inside out. So the old saying of “stop and smell the roses” not only helps us to practice mindfulness, it also helps us connect to our higher self.
Alternate Ways to Meditate #2 – Build a Castle
Turn on iTunes, set it to a favorite playlist and channel Bob the Builder! Find a project that requires step by step instructions. When we are forced to focus our attention by following instructions, our mind will navigate to deeper levels, reducing the influx of rapid information. This is one of the effects of meditation, to slow down the flow of distractions. Building a project will not only give us the benefits of meditation, it may just leave us with a new piece of fabulous furniture for our castle!
Alternate Ways to Meditate #3 – Take a Hike
It may be a struggle to pick up the kids from school, have dinner on the table, make it to the gym and then try to find time to sit in a lotus position to meditate. Instead, try going for a hike! Having our bodies move while we breathe in the fresh air can be multi-beneficial. Not only can it improve our cardiovascular health, but it can also allow our minds to relax. If we focus on our breath, the in and out, we practice mindfulness. Mindfulness of breath. Present-ness of being. Practicing mindfulness is one of the meditative practices that we can incorporate into our everyday lives.
Alternate Ways to Meditate #4 – Color Outside the Lines
As we grow older, life’s responsibilities seem to affect our playfulness. Our inner child seems to be getting a time out more than play time. Grab a coloring book, a box of crayons and release the inner child from within. When we give ourselves permission to play, we reconnect the chord between our child self, adult self, outer self and higher self. Whether it’s outside the lines or a perfect portrait, giving ourselves the freedom to create from within is truly a meditative connection.
Alternate Ways to Meditate #5 – Take a Bubble Bath
Taking time for a hot bath and bubbles is a wonderful way to meditate! Adding some bath salts and aromatherapy may just wash away the stress while the hot water will allow for deeper relaxation. Adding a short guided meditation track or music may help reduce stress and allow for focus and clarity. In our daily life, we rarely give ourselves the much-needed self-care we deserve, but with some hot bubbles and meditation, we may just realize how important it is to practice both!
These FIVE alternatives are a great way to incorporate meditation into a busy life. Meditation is a practice that can reap several benefits but the key is finding what works with each of us. Following a standard guide just may be the solution that works for everyone. Giving ourselves the opportunity to try mediation in a new way can open up possibilities and gateways to a deeper sense of calm, purpose and clarity.
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About the Author
Colby is a master spiritual teacher of the LWISSD and a certified and tested member of Best American Psychics by Shay Parker. Colby serves as a professional psychic, medium, teacher, author, and public speaker. Learn more at www.psychicrebel.com
