Meditation Reset- 3 Things I Have Learned by Elsa Khan
What does it mean to properly meditate? Well for me, I view meditation as intentional pockets of peace throughout my day or week. I think I can speak for many people when I sayour lives are so busy and that we just do not have the time to sit and meditate. I see often that school and life and other responsibilities can seem so large that our own well-being tends to get pushed to the bottom of our list. As someone who is constantly learning more about what proper self-care means to me, I’d like to share at least 3 things I have learned about meditation.
1. Meditation does not have to be embellished or take up a significant amount of time
I feel like when the word meditation comes to mind, we often think of going to a yoga studio or some space and having to go, get dressed, or make a whole excursion out of it. While there is nothing wrong with going out and meditating through a class or place—it does not have to take so many steps.
I find that some of my best meditation sessions are when I am laying on my apartment floor after a long day. I just close my eyes for a few minutes and just breathe. It is as simple as that. I just let my body settle onto the floor and just breathe and not even think. In my mind, that is the most simple and accessible form of meditation.
2. Gratitude is such a game changer!!
I know we are so often told of practicing gratitude and how it will change our life—and I hate to be another voice adding on to that chorus—but everyone is right! It does not even have to be a daily thing where you name 3 things you are grateful for. It can just be a random moment when you take a second to look around and realize how much we have and are able to do. I like to challenge myself and others to find the most niche things in the day to be grateful for because honestly that is what sets being reflectively grateful apart from being thankful. For example, today I am grateful for V8 energy drinks because they taste delicious and are helping me get through this finals season. (This is specific to today! And something different than a classic (still amazing) “I’m grateful for my family” (which is still a valid thing to be grateful for!))
3. Surround yourself with positive affirmations :)
A form of meditation that I think is underrated are positive affirmations. I think taking the time to read or write out good things about yourself or things that you are envisioning for your future is WONDERFUL! I personally have a wall with cute printed affirmations that I try to read every so often, it really does make a difference (I attached a pic!). I remember in undergrad I was consistent with affirmations and I swear that entire week was sent from a dream and it was like the universe was listening to me. Positive self talk and being a bright visionary is beautiful and an important skill to develop. It grounds you, and emboldens you to pursue the life you want! Best of all, this is also a form of meditation that is quick and does not necessarily need to take up hours out of your day—you can read or write just for a few minutes. <3
I really hope you enjoyed reading just 3 of the things I have learned on my journey through meditation and self-care. I wanted to highlight that taking care of yourself does not necessarily need to be elaborate or consumptive, but instead it can be a simple moment with just you, your thoughts, your breath, and maybe a pen and paper. I hope you can implement some of these mindful moments too! With all my love, Elsa :)
To learn more about our monthly meetings with the Hey, I’m Here Squad and ways to incorporate meditation into your everyday life, head over to our social media: www.instagram.com/heyimhereohio
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
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