In our busy lives, it’s easy to fall into a routine. We are constantly moving from one task to the next, planning, worrying, and feeling like we’re barely keeping up. Often, this can leave us feeling stressed and disconnected from the present. Many people have discovered that a simple meditation practice can make a big difference. Meditation allows us to slow down, refocus, and feel more grounded in each moment. It creates a sense of calm and balance. Here’s a look at some moments from my journey with meditation and how it’s shaped my daily life.
The Beginning
My journey with mindfulness began almost accidentally. I had read about meditation before and how it could help with stress, focus, and overall well-being. But I had always dismissed it as something that just wasn’t for me. I thought it required too much time, or that I wouldn’t be able to quiet my mind enough to make it work. But a dear family friend of mine told me to try meditating after my daily devotion. So I decided to give it a shot. I started small, with just five minutes in the morning. At first, it felt strange and even a bit uncomfortable.
My mind would wander, and I’d find myself thinking about the day ahead, the tasks I needed to complete, or things I’d forgotten to do the day before. For the first time in my life, I realised how noisy my mind was. But slowly, over time, something began to shift.
I know for some of us it is still a struggle, like my husband, lol. The first time I invited him to meditate with me, I could tell I’d made a mistake. I downloaded this app with a man giving instructions, and I told my husband it would only be 10 minutes. He reluctantly agreed. The man started with, “Close your eyes, listen to the sounds around you… what do you hear?” I closed my eyes and started following along, fully absorbed in the process.
Peeking with a squint to see if my husband was doing the same, I saw him staring back at me with wide eyes. He was looking at me like I’d lost it! I paused, tried to explain we were going somewhere with this, and resumed. But when the voice continued, “Now imagine yourself looking up to the sky, taking in nature…” my husband broke in. “I don’t get it! What does he mean? Look up at the sky and imagine?” His face said it all, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
The whole exercise was about quieting our thoughts because of how noisy our minds get. Sometimes we have a hundred thoughts racing at once.
Getting the mind to quiet down takes practice. And while I’m not sure my husband’s gotten into it yet, he’s at least used to seeing me meditate. No more strange looks or questions.
Meditation As a Morning Ritual
As I continued my practice, I began to notice a difference in how I felt throughout the day. Those five minutes of meditation in the morning grounded me. It set a tone of calm and focus that lingered long after I’d opened my eyes. I found that I was less reactive, more patient, and better able to handle whatever the day threw at me. I also learned to take deep breaths whenever I got anxious.
Eventually, those five minutes turned into ten, thirty, and sometimes an hour. My morning meditation became a sacred ritual, something I looked forward to each day. It wasn’t just about sitting still and clearing my mind, it was about taking a moment to connect with God and myself. A moment to breathe deeply, and to set an intention for the day. I also noticed that many of my best ideas surfaced during meditation. Quieting my mind consistently opened the way for clear answers and inspiring thoughts.
Mindful Moments During Daily Tasks
What surprised me the most was how mindfulness began to seep into other parts of my day. I started to bring a sense of awareness to everything I did. From washing the dishes to deep focus on my work, taking a walk, and enjoying nature, I learned to focus on the present moment rather than letting my mind drift to the past or future.
This shift didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, I found that I was more present in my daily life. I noticed the little things—the sound of birds outside my window, the beautiful skies, and the serenity that fills the air in quiet moments. These small, mindful moments added up, and before I knew it, I was experiencing a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment.
Evening Reflection and Quiet Communication
In addition to my morning practice, I also began incorporating a short meditation into my evening routine. This time was different—less about setting intentions and more about reflecting on the day that had passed. It was also a time of quiet communication with God, allowing His peace to gently surround me. It became a way to unwind, to let go of any lingering stress, and to prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
The Ongoing Journey of Meditation
Now, years into this journey, I can say without a doubt that meditation has transformed my daily routine. It has given me the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with more grace and resilience. Of course, I still have my moments of stress and anxiety, but they no longer consume me the way they used to.
Meditation is an ongoing practice, one that continues to evolve and deepen. It’s more than just finding calm; it’s about living a more intentional, present, and fulfilling life. I’m grateful for what this journey has brought me, and I look forward to seeing where it takes me next.
If you’ve been thinking about trying meditation, I encourage you to start small, just as I did. You might be surprised by the profound impact it can have on your daily routine and your life as a whole. Because at some point, we all need to learn to silence the endless noise in our heads and be in the moment, even if it’s just for five minutes.
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