I’m feeling pensive at the end of these 30 days of meditation. There’s plenty to take in, plenty to internalize, and plenty to learn from in 30 Days of meditation. I thought these 30 days would mean sitting still and lots of Oms, turning off. But I learned quickly that meditation isn’t shutting off our tuning out. There’s so much more, here’s what I learned.
- At the start of these 30 Days, my Aunt Kit wrote to me on Facebook to say, “Anna, don’t be concerned about shutting off your mind!! That would be a little like stopping your breathing.” I carried these words with me all month. And when my thoughts scattered, and my brain wandered, and my to-do list crept into my meditation time, I refocused and re-centered on my breath. Kit is very right. I can’t shut off my mind. But I can direct my thoughts to my benefit.
- That picture of meditators sitting cross-legged with palms up reciting a mantra over and over is only part of the story. Meditation doesn’t have to be still, quiet, and unmoving. Walking, music, yoga, exercise, yard work all can lead to meditation. It’s not about how still you can be, it’s about how present.
- Mindfulness is my goal. If I can be in this moment, shine through to see right where I am, then I am successful. Meditation is the tool that helps me realize this goal. And it’s the mindfulness that brings me peace.
- And while it doesn’t have anything to do with meditation specifically, I’m excited to have started learning to video blog. I promised myself two video posts at the beginning of the month, and I did it! My koi pond and walking meditation vlogs are so very exciting to me and mark a new something to work on on In The Next 30 Days. I hope you’re as happy to see the videos as I am to post them.
How did your 30 Days end up? Were you successful in your goals? Are you ready for another month?
