What is living meditation? (for people who struggle to meditate)
If you struggle to sit still, clear your mind, or follow traditional meditation, this approach may work better for you.
What “Living Meditation” means;
- Being present while doing everyday actions
- Observing thoughts without forcing silence
- Using movement or routine instead of stillness
- Reducing pressure to “do meditation correctly”
Having hard time with meditating? The stereotypical “om” in lotus position scares you? Or maybe you are one of those who falls asleep 5 minutes into your meditations.
We are given options for guided meditation, sleep meditation, walking meditation, sitting meditation, subliminal meditation. How about something that will actually work and will not require you to follow any steps?
Something that is being performed by some traditional cultures for centuries and on a daily basis.
There is at least one thing that you do each day which you kind of enjoy. Did I stretch too far? Ok, how about one thing you do each day that does not completely piss you off.
Today, when you are doing that thing, choose to be fully immersed in that activity. It could be flossing your teeth, I do not care what it is. For the duration of that action, you will focus on each step. Each second you will be treating yourself as if you are giving kind and loving instructions to a toddler. You will be asking motivating and engaging questions, just like you would do with a child. An energized child who is struggling with focus. Each time your mind wanders or tries to think a thought not related to the activity, you will ask another question. All your directions and questions will be about how each step, each movement feels. Where do you feel what you feel, is it your hands holding the floss? Is it the texture of the floss against your gums? Is it that slight minty taste on your tongue?
There is no time limit. There are no rules. There is no form or kind of forcing. Start today with anything you do each day. I promise you, this will feel good. After a certain time, you will start observing changes in yourself.
This is where I am going to leave it now. I will be checking in on you, I promise.