Taking Time to Meditate
By Alexa Silvestri
If you are like me, you probably were expecting an easy spring semester. However, if you are also like me, you may be experiencing more than you ever thought possible for this time of year. We usually think of January as a fresh start. But, we sometimes end up cramming all our ideas and goals into one month, barely leaving enough time to breathe or think positively.
Taking a pause is natural and is often necessary. Yet as college students, especially in our competitive environment, we are apprehensive of taking breaks in fear of it being viewed as a sign of weakness or even thinking we simply do not have time to stop. Our nature is constantly “go, go, go…,” but it is time we start taking moments for ourselves and our mental health.
Positive coping mechanisms include exercise, watching television and movies, and more. However, these activities still resemble fast-paced nature. In this case, we are channeling our rapid lifestyle instead of stressing over it. On the other hand, there are many ways like meditation that allow you to take a full break physically, mentally, and emotionally by putting away distractions and focusing on yourself.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation provides one with the ability to be present and think about the current moment, or a form of self-reflection. The goal is to find inner peace and to explore your thoughts and emotions. This type of meditation can be done anywhere and at any time. All it involves is putting away your phone and any other distraction, sitting in silence or listening to calming music, and just concentrating on your breathing.
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is listening to a leader tell stories, read quotes, sing songs, or other forms of relaxing speech. The goal of guided meditation is similar to mindfulness–focusing on reflection on yourself, being present, and breathing. In a digital world, we have a constant and immediate connection to many online resources. There are endless YouTube videos, apps, and podcasts that can be used for guided meditation.
Journaling
People may be turned away from journaling thinking that there is no need to write down their own thoughts. However, journaling can be a form of release. We have all had teachers say, “We retain the most when we write things down.” The same thing goes for journaling. By writing down our thoughts and feelings, we may uncover more about ourselves than we expect. We can begin to understand the roots of our problems and perhaps appreciate the good things in our lives.
Yoga
Although yoga is a form of exercise, it is also a form of meditation. Instead of elevating your heart rate through intense cardio or weight lifting, yoga does wonders for the body mentally and physically. By focusing on deep breathing and strategic movements, yoga allows one to clear their mind, relax their nervous system, and center themselves. Not only does yoga improve flexibility and posture, it also increases confidence, energy, and brain power.
As you begin your journey through meditation, here are a few things to remember:
Meditation can happen anywhere and at any time, as previously mentioned with mindfulness meditation. Find a comfortable place, put away any possible interruptions, and bring attention to your breathing.
Be comfortable with being vulnerable with yourself. Allow yourself to tap into your own emotional state.
Do not fight your thoughts if your mind begins to wander during meditation. Instead, recognize the drift and allow an increase in breathing patterns to take over.
Make meditation fun by finding the method that works best for you, but do not be afraid to try new techniques.
Remember to put yourself first when you really need it most as we continue the spring semester. Whether it is a quick 3-minute mindfulness meditation or a full hour yoga class, there are many ways to escape the fast-paced, competitive world to center your head, body, and heart.
