Often, folks will say they’ve tried to meditate but cannot stop their mind, sit still or stop thinking. That’s why it’s important to learn from someone who’s done their work—a master. Without masterful instruction, we couldn’t expect to be proficient in anything. A few months of committing to the practice twice a day, things really started to settle in. And now after over a year of regular daily practice, I’ve softened my stance on many aspects of my thinking. My meditations are now times of real sweetness—when the world melts away and I trust in the space, in the time and in myself. Consistent meditation helps me to see the sacred, feel the forgiveness and move forward mindfully, so that even when I fall back on some old habitual thought, my practice is right there to catch me within a matter of hours. Here are three simple reasons to be consistent with your meditation practice, and some practical tools to help you along the way: Learning to let go with ease and handle emotions with grace is a product of daily practice. When we spend time in deep meditation, we release what we cognitively know and what we’ve unconsciously stored in our bodies and minds. All of our haste, worry, anxiety, dread and fear will literally fall away with each time we practice. When we are consistent with sitting twice daily, we become more compassionate and notice those negating states without engaging, letting them go more freely. Each time we’re shamed or cut off—as kids or adults—we become more likely to host doubt in our bodies, and move away from a brave, effective stance. Meditation is your way to release those moments of shaming (past or present, perpetrator or victim), and begin to create consistent space and time to rewire, rebuild and nourish our most confident, courageous self. Meditation is how we shift from surviving to thriving. And if you habitually shame anyone — your kids, friends or colleagues — Dr. Schore recommends that you immediately apologize, and that with children you immediately take on a nurturing stance. You’ll see that each time you meditate, noticing this will become easier, and you’ll be less likely to perpetuate that shame any further. Photo courtesy of Michael Williams for LOLE As a Presidential Diamond leader with doTERRA, Elena oversees a global team of Wellness Advocates, transforming wellbeing in thousands of households. She is the author of Art of Attention, a yoga workbook that has been translated into six languages, and her second book, Practice You, is now a bestseller, being utilized in yoga trainings and educational healing curricula for all ages. Elena is also the creator of Teach.yoga, a virtual home for yoga teachers worldwide. Her audio courses ‘Grounded and Free’ and ‘The Return Home’ as well as her ‘Art of Attention’ and ‘Cultivating Spiritual Intelligence’ audio courses are beloved for their practical and comprehensive practices and potency. Experience Elena’s video practices on YogaGlo.com.
