There is a Zen proverb which says “you should sit in meditation for 20 minutes everyday - unless you are too busy. Then you should sit for an hour”.
For me, when I first started meditation, in my late teens, having time for meditation wasn’t the issue. I just didn’t “get” it.
I can’t recall what compelled me to seek out a meditation course in the first place, but I do know I wasn’t ready. As far as I can recall, the practice I was taught involved staring at an object, listening to a cassette (I’m showing my age!) and quietening your mind- I struggled with the latter and found it too difficult.
The expression “when the student is ready the teacher will appear” proved to be true for me. In January 2011, after my Bali experience I was ready to give meditation another go. On the recommendation of a work colleague I signed up for a term long course. After the first few sessions I was hooked and spent the next 18 months doing further extension courses with the same teacher.
The 30 minutes I spent each morning putting into practice what I was learning had a profound impact on my ability to cope with stress. I felt calmer and was able to think more clearly. I felt lighter on the days I meditated and really noticed a dip in my mood if I didn’t.
To this day I still don’t fully understand how such a simple practice can make such a difference. It is like magic.
After a time, I started attending weekly Buddhist drop in classes, which involved a component of mediation. I enjoyed the teachings immensely and started attending weekend workshops to learn more. I borrowed meditation CDs from the local library and particularly enjoyed “Buddhism for Busy people” and “Buddhism for Mothers” both which I found gave very practical advice about incorporating ancient philosophy into everyday life.
My meditation practice became inconsistent after the birth of my first son and although I could see a change in my moods, by not making the time for a regular practice, I didn’t prioritise it.
Having missed meditation so much and realising I need it more than ever after the birth of my second son - I now have my husband take both boys for 10 minutes each morning for me to practice.While I’d love to meditate for longer, with meditation my experience has been something is certainly better than nothing.
For those who have never tried meditation there are some great phone apps like smiling mind or giant mind which can be downloaded for free. Most are guided, mindfulness meditations and provide an easy introduction to meditation.
Meditation takes many forms and I would say it’s a matter of finding a style that suits you and a teacher you click with. Once you have learnt a few techniques the beauty of it is it can be done anywhere and anytime in the spare few moments you may have each day.
