I’ve never really been the one to meditate. I’m a very ‘go, go, go’ type of person. Sometimes it seems I barely take a breath or a break between classes, work, extracurriculars and social events. I feel as though there is always something I have to be doing. I go all day until I crash at night and repeat it again the next day.
I recently read a New York Times article on the basics of mindfulness and meditation and decided to give it a try. I often struggle to remind myself to take a look at the moment I’m in because quite honestly, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I live in what I believe to be the most beautiful place in the country, I’m surrounded by great people and I have so many opportunities in front of me. I should learn to enjoy it and take it in even more.
Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation where you focus on your own feelings and sensations in the present moment.
mindfulness.org
According to mindfulness.org, mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation where you focus on your own feelings and sensations in the present moment. The New York Times article said after a lot of practice, you become mindful and aware even when you’re just going about day-to-day life.
On Friday morning, my class was canceled so I was alone in my apartment. I decided to sit out on my balcony and give the whole mindfulness meditation thing a try. I sat cross legged on a folded towel and closed my eyes. I focused on breathing slower and became aware of the rainwater dripping from the eaves, the distant rush of cars, the cool, moist air covering my skin and the feel of my cotton sweatpants clinging to my legs. I focused on the simplicity of life surrounding me at that moment, and it made me feel safe and content.
After about 10 minutes, I slowly opened my eyes and went inside. I felt rejuvenated and awake despite my jam-packed week. It could also have been the cup of coffee I had a half hour before, but I think I’ll give it a try again. There’s something to it.
