1. Find what works for YOU . Do you need to move? Is it walking meditation that works? Is it a particular guided meditation? What time of day ? Where? What worked for me: I actually did the same guided #meditation every day for about 5 years. It’s normal to have thoughts—whether it's "I'm not doing it right" or thinking about your to do list. Let the thoughts come, then gently let them go. And stay the course: When you have a #consistent #daily meditation #practice those sporadic moments of #blissful present #awareness will begin to happen more and more in your everyday life.
2. Just #breathe: Seriously! That. Is. All. Begin to notice when you are breathing in a shallow manner and start to practice extending the breath. Notice how much more relaxed you can become just by focussing on the breath.
3. No judgement:What worked for me: Rather than judging myself for getting caught up in obsessive thoughts, I would stay mindful and stay the course. It got easier and easier to drop into that still, quiet place. Also, I became aware of my negative self-talk and turned it to the positive! Be your own inner motivational speaker.
4. I don’t have #time!!! If I have time to watch crazy cat videos on YouTube with my daughter then I have time to meditate.
What worked for me: I set an alarm for the time I have carved out to meditate, or I physically write it in my day planner. For me, it is 4:30 am but for my clients sometimes its 5 minutes at lunch or for new Mom’s it is 20 minutes when the baby is sleeping. There is no right or wrong way to meditate—just do it!
5. I kept falling asleep. I started meditating 12 years ago when I was a sleep-deprived, new mom. I meditated once a day, for 20 minutes at my sleepiest time. Often, when I tried to meditate, I would fall asleep! What worked for me: I had green tea before meditating and started using a guided meditation that would count me up. I found that I wasn’t actually sleeping but really, trancey and relaxed and I felt rested. 20 minutes of deep meditation can be equivalent to 3 hours of REM sleep.