I’ve written about meditation from time to time but still haven’t managed to incorporate it into my life on a regular basis although the idea still intrigues me. An article in a recent issue of Heart Healthy Living (Summer 2009) by Michele Meyer renewed my interest so here I am again. I have my audio tapes in the drawer beside me and am determined to find time in my day to try something that supposedly can help lower my blood pressure, cholesterol and stress hormones.
You probably imagine yourself sitting quietly and tuning out the world, but if you have ever tried doing that you soon realize that it isn’t as easy as it sounds. We would all like to be calm and serene but if you have ever tried to turn off your mind you know that this is truly a discipline.
You are not alone if you have tried to meditate but have failed. The article by Ms. Meyer suggests that different personality types influence your efforts and she outlines a mini-solution for each one. She bases her quiz and solutions on a guide called Five Good Minutes at Work by Jeffrey Brantley, MD and Wendy Millstine. A recommended guide is Minute Meditations by Jane Pernotte Erhman (imagesofwellness.com). I liked the concept, took the personality quiz and saw myself in a distinct category. The questions are simple as they run through some of the reasons why you can’t focus inwardly. As you read the choices you are sure to find an answer that is just “you.”
I wasn’t surprised to learn that I was a fidgeter as it has always been difficult for me to sit still for more than a few minutes at a time. The recommended solution is to lie down and listen to a guided meditation. The audio is designed to gives you something serene to focus on instead of planning your grocery list, wondering why your jaw is clenched, or why it is so difficult to relax. The mind is always busy and stress is natures way of preparing you for the fight or flight mechanism. We don’t need to fight or flee on a moments notice any more but the mind has to be told that on a regular basis to prevent ‘burn out.’ Many diseases or medical conditions are worsened by stress, such as allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, depression, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
A fidgeter is only one of the categories mentioned. Perhaps you fall asleep when you stretch out to meditate, which means you may be seriously sleep deprived. Let Stress Go by Susan Gayle (NewBehaviorInstitute.net) is a CD recommended that might help you or maybe meditating while you are walking because you are forced to be alert as you become one with nature.
A second category is for people, who live, breathe, walk and get angry very quickly. Relaxation is a challenge and a lot of practice and a guide called Guided Mindfulness Meditation (mindfulnesscds.com) is recommended.
Many people fall under the category of skeptics and you are reluctant to embrace anything that cannot provide concrete proof. You can feel and understand relaxation though so the recommended style of meditation is to concentrate on breathing and relaxing. Read more by examining Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain by Sharon Begley,
Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation, calm and emotional stability. Remember, now that you are getting older you can slow down a little and get to know your inner self. You might like what you find. It is time to learn that being task orientated is not everything. Do you want your housekeeping skills to be the only thing that people remember about you?