Mindfulness + Meditation
Copyright 2019, Cailin O'Hara
I developed a meditation practice many years ago now.
I can definitely say it was the most life-changing thing I've tried as it set the stage for my healing, my ability to experience happiness, my ability to receive so much good and love and for an incredible life.
But it all started with me sitting with myself, my feelings, my thoughts and my breath one day at a time.
I had a teacher and mentor at the time who introduced me to meditation and my first experiences of a quiet mind. I was hooked.
It is SO good. It gets BETTER. Find a teacher. Work with me. Do whatever you can to develop a practice that suits you.
It will wind up being the most important part of your day.
I can definitely say it was the most life-changing thing I've tried as it set the stage for my healing, my ability to experience happiness, my ability to receive so much good and love and for an incredible life.
But it all started with me sitting with myself, my feelings, my thoughts and my breath one day at a time.
I had a teacher and mentor at the time who introduced me to meditation and my first experiences of a quiet mind. I was hooked.
It is SO good. It gets BETTER. Find a teacher. Work with me. Do whatever you can to develop a practice that suits you.
It will wind up being the most important part of your day.
Quieting the Mind‣‣ If you've ever tried to meditate, you've likely said, "I can't turn off my mind" and "I can't meditate- my thoughts race, I can't focus."
‣‣ It may feel like that at first, but you WILL have breakthroughs. You'll eventually see past the noise of the mind and find sweet realms of quiet and presence. ‣‣ This can take some practice, so find teachers and make it priority. If you can't sit with yourself and be with your thoughts, that could be a big signal that this is an important practice for you. |
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Being "Present" ‣‣ When the mind settles, when you slow down, you can experience the present moment... after moment after moment.
‣‣ We run on autopilot, default, busyness, anxiety, unquestioned beliefs, etc. This isn't helpful for living mindfully, empowered, with clarity and a sense of ease. ‣‣ I once saw a billboard in Portland that said, "the best time to meditate is when you don't have the time." Every day take a pause, slow down, be here. It's all going so fast... don't you want to be here for it? |
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Be in Your Body‣‣ When I first started learning meditation, I noticed that I wasn't "in" my body. I always imagined myself behind my body, almost in hiding, leaving my physical being vulnerable and disconnected from its spirit.
‣‣ When you feel present in your body, totally connected, you can find a sense of well-being pulsing through you. And your boundaries are strong. I believe this is a huge part of our physical health. ‣‣ You inhabit this body for your lifetime. Get familiar with it, fill it with your own energy, let it be your home. |
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Connect with Yourself ‣‣ Using meditation as a way to come home to yourself can be a soothing, healing and life-transforming experience.
‣‣ A morning meditation practice of aligning with who you is one of my top recommendations. ‣‣ Connecting with YOU also means letting go of THEM- releasing the energy of other people from our hearts and minds is a cleanse we all benefit from (you and them alike!). |
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Negative, Repetitive Thoughts ‣‣ Do you feel assaulted by your own thoughts? One after another, they harass you with daunting tales of one bad-feeling idea after another...
‣‣ You don't have to be held hostage by your thoughts. They are running on a habitual loop- and you can stop it. It takes practice, but what doesn't? |
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