I didn’t find meditation, it found me. It had been calling me for a long time but I tried resisting it with all my might. “I’m just not someone who can practice meditation, my mind is too busy, plus I don’t have the time to do it regularly”. I would say over and over again to people who recommended it. Then one day when my mind kept racing and I couldn’t focus I thought, what’s the worse thing that can happen? I’m going to try it out. I sat down, closed my eyes, started taking deep breaths in and out and put all of my attention on my breath, when a thought came, I noticed it and then went back to my breath. And many, many thoughts came but I just patiently went back to my breath. And from that day on I was hooked. I started to crave it every morning and that’s how my practice began over 10 years ago.
I could have never predicted how much it would change my life. I started to feel more patience, focus, clarity, intuition, compassion, acceptance, inner peace, presence, and creativity….my heart literally expanded. On a physical level meditation also helps to lower high blood pressure, reduces anxiety, decreases tension-related pain, such as, headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems, it increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior, it boosts the immune system and increases energy levels.
Are you curious about meditation and how it can positively impact your life? What if you committed to trying it for just 30 days?
Here are some valuable resources to help you get started with meditation:
My Favorite Meditation Apps
TED Talks
All it takes is 10 mindful minutes | Andy Puddicombe
The art of stillness | Pico Iyer
How to tame your wandering mind | Amishi Jha
Trailer for the documentary: My Year of Living Mindfully
Book Recommendations
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
Get Some Headspace: 10 Minutes Can Make All The Difference
Practical Meditation for Beginners
I also love this guide from Mindful Magazine that describes the differences between mindfulness, meditation and gives a step by step overview of how to meditate.
I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any great resources to recommend to our community? How has meditation changed your life?
Kristen Harcourt is an Executive Coach, Trainer and Professional Speaker who helps executives and emerging leaders achieve extraordinary and sustainable results through increased self-awareness, emotional intelligence and presence. She’s on a mission to help leaders transform from the inside out, creating a meaningful career and purpose-driven life where they reach their full potential. To discuss a customized coaching program for your company, individual coaching or speaking/training opportunities email: kristen@kristenharcourt.com