3 Things You Need to Start Meditating

I talk about my daily meditation practice frequently and how it has changed my life. I literally can not imagine my life without it anymore, my body and my mind need it. It feeds my soul in a way I can’t really put into words.

I have found that people are often intimidated to try meditating. They build up a big story around it as to why they can’t or why it won’t work for them. If you just let go of the fear, let go of the assumptions, and just sat down and tried it you may start to experience the magic.

When starting your meditation practice just start with 10 minutes per day. Now that may seem like a lot, but there are 1,440 minutes in the day…I’m sure you can find 10 minutes each day to meditate. Once you commit to a daily practice, and are feeling the results you can gradually increase. I now meditate for a minimum of 40 minutes each day, and it has changed. me.

I thought it would be fun to break down the 3 things you need to start meditating today!

The first thing you need when meditating is an open mind. Let go of preconceived ideas, thoughts, assumptions and just allow this experience to be whatever it may be. It won’t be perfect the first few times, hell it may never be perfect…and that’s totally okay. People often assume that in order to “meditate properly” you have to have a completely clear mind, false. We do not live in a society where it is easy to have a clear mind, which is why we need to meditate. Thoughts will come in, acknowledge them and then just put them to the side. You get to decide whether or not you pick up those thoughts after your practice.

The second thing you will need to begin your meditation practice is a quiet space. You can set up a quiet calm corner in your home, your office, your patio. Choose a space that is relaxing to your mind and body. It will be tough to meditate in a messy space because your mind will be thinking about cleaning instead of just being. I work with some mother’s who meditate sitting on the edge of their bathtub, or sitting up in bed. Find a space that feels good to you. I like to turn down the lights in the room to create a calm relaxing vibe, do what feels best for you.

The last thing you will need to start your meditation practice is either quiet chill meditation music or perhaps use an app for a guided meditation experience. It can be very difficult when starting to simply sit in the silence and meditate. The thoughts will come in and can become overwhelming, and even take over the experience. Currently, I use very calm meditation music to help guide me and I set a time on my phone, the music shuts off when the time is complete. You can also use an app, there are dozens of meditation apps and guided meditations available online. I often use Gabrielle Bernstein when I am looking for a guided meditation experience, and I highly recommend her. When first beginning your meditation practice following along with a guided meditation can help to focus the mind. If you have a favorite meditation app let me know by leaving a comment below!

There are several different types of meditation and it is important to find one that aligns with you. Play around, experiment, and have fun with the process.

Photo By Jontel Chere

35 Things I've Learned in 35 Years

Yesterday I celebrate my 35th birthday!I have always loved birthdays, and this year was no exception. It was a beautiful and restorative weekend, exactly what my soul needed

35 feels good

I feel that I have really found myself and I love the person that I have become.

I think that it is so important for us to really love ourselves, for all that we are and all that we have become. I see so many people go through life unsure of themselves, or unhappy with themselves and their life. Life is way too short for that mindset. We get one chance at this life, and our relationship with ourselves dictates all the other relationships in our life.

It has taken me years to get to this level of self love. I had to unlearn a lot of old patterns and habits, I had to heal from generational trauma and my own wounds, and I had to ignore some fear based advice and listen to my own intuition. I learned to lead with love, and let go of the fear.

All that being said I thought it would be fun to create a list of 35 things I have learned in 35 years! As I started writing this list I thought it would be impossible to come up with 35 things…then I soon realized I would have to consolidate my list!

35 Things I’ve Learned in 35 Years

1. Self love is the most important thing.

2. Respect - yourself and others.

3. You can inspire a lot of people, but you can only change yourself.

4. You are not for everyone and that’s okay.

5. You don’t need a million friends. Keep a small circle of people you absolutely love & trust.

6. Stay true to yourself, listen to your intuition.

7. Always lead with love. Let go of the fear and the hate. Let your light shine.

8. The entrepreneur path is not for everyone. People will judge you, they will tell you it will never work - do it anyway.

9. Even when you fail, know that it’s okay. Get back up, dust yourself off, and start again. It’s just another lesson learned.

10. At some point in your life make a big drastic move - everyone will think you are crazy - but it will teach you so much.

11. Meditate every day.

12. Nutrition really is the key to good health and happiness.

13. It’s okay to change, grow and evolve. Do it over and over again.

14. Not everyone will understand your path, that’s okay they don’t need to.

15. People will try to keep you small, they will try to dump their self limiting beliefs on you, don’t let them. Rise above.

16. Move your body everyday.

17. Find a workout you love.

18. Be honest…most of all with yourself.

19. Marry your best friend.

20. Laugh and smile every single day.

21. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

22. Communication is everything.

23. Most of the people judging you, are really just jealous of you. Ignore the haters.

24. Drink more water.

25. Speak your truth and stay open.

26. You are more beautiful than you know.

27. Set boundaries and stick to them unapologetically.

28. Be kind. Everyone is fighting a battle that they may not be ready to share.

29. Delegate. You do not have to do everything alone.

30. Lower your stress. It will heal you in ways you can only imagine.

31. Not everything has to be done right now.

32. Life is short - too short. Be grateful for each day.

33. You are more resilient than you know.

34. Travel often, expand your mind & open your heart.

35. Do what makes you happy. Find your passion, and turn your passion into your purpose.

Photo By Jontel Chere

2 Questions to Ask Yourself Everyday

It’s essential to check in with ourselves every single day to see how we are really doing.

Pay attention today and notice how many times people ask you “how are you doing?”, but rarely do they give you time to actually answer before they have already moved on. That is one of the reasons why I feel that it is key to check in with yourself everyday, and ask yourself these two questions.

How are you doing?

What are you grateful for?

Write these questions in your journal, and just allow yourself to write whatever comes up for you. Most likely the answers will be different each day depending on your current circumstance, what you are experiencing in life at that moment, and so forth.

Allow yourself to be real, raw and vulnerable. No one has to read your journal except you. This is your time to really allow yourself to open up and check in….like really how are you doing? Not everyday is going to be sunshine and rainbows, and that’s okay - that’s “normal” in fact. Allow yourself to work through your feelings and your thoughts on paper.

Then once you feel complete with that question, write down what you are grateful for. Personally, I like to list 5 things that I am grateful for each day. This allows me to keep my head in a positive space…or bring it back to a positive high vibe space…and bring that energy with me into my day.

With the busyness of our lifestyles it can be difficult to stay in the present and focus on our current blessings and life. It seems like we are always planning and looking to what is next. These two questions will help you stay present, check in with yourself daily, and help you to live a more grateful life.

Photo By Jontel Chere