Do You Have What it Takes to Meditate?

 

Young professionals (YPs) across Canada, in search of balance, relaxation, or a new solution to their stressful problems, are flocking to the peaceful practice of meditation. What was once considered just a habit of hippies is today as trendy as quinoa and kambucha. But for the disbelievers and the wannabes, many see meditation as simply closing your eyes and clearing your mind; whatever that really means. And while that pretty much is the whole deal, have you ever actually tried it? Meditating is hard! As hectic and often hyperactive YPs, spending time sitting still, quiet and alone can seem like a nearly impossible undertaking. So we talked with one YP who is a big believer in the “Om” to get tips on how to better partake of this popular (in)activity. 

Everybody’s Doin’ It
Rebecca, a young entrepreneur in Montreal’s music industry, spent a year learning about yoga and meditation at the Shambala Meditation Center in Halifax. Her reason for dedicating so much of her precious personal and professional time to studying the ancient practice:

“It seems to me to be more than a coincidence that all of my successful, self-made friends practice meditation. Entrepreneurs are people who look at the bigger picture; meditation is their window.”

And how has it enhanced her own YP life?

“Meditation makes me more positive in my personal and professional life. This positivity is the fuel to my success. I’m putting out positivity as much as possible, and that’s what I’m getting back.”

Sold! Meditation is certainly a skill we’d like to add to our repertoire. What’s next?  

Practice Makes Perfect
“Meditation, like any other activity, takes practice,” Rebecca explains, “but is extremely worth learning.” As many YPs can surely attest, what makes the mind-clearing requirement of meditation so tough is that “the mind is loud and full of different and sometimes tricky thoughts.” Indeed! But as Rebecca assures us: “I promise, if you practice for just five minutes, everyday for 30 days, you will notice that it is becoming easier to clear your mind.” 

Just five minutes a day? We can handle that. Now, how to get started?

“There are two things you should keep in your mind, at least when you first begin to learn how to meditate: your posture and your breath. Sit with your back straight and legs crossed, though it is not essential in the beginning if you can’t. Keep conscious of your posture and try to clear your mind. If a thought passes through, acknowledge it, but let it pass. If thoughts come in, let them flow back out. Do not become frustrated that you cannot shut your mind off at first. Concentrate on your breath; in through your nose and out through your mouth.” 

Sounding totally doable and awesome, we went ahead and tried it. Moments of clarity occurred, but thoughts of tweets and emails, dirty dishes and dogs needing walking, continued to bully their way into our neophyte minds. So back to Rebecca we went to ask for more practical tips on how to reach this seemingly impossible state of serenity.  

Practical peace
“In the beginning stages of meditation, minutes can stretch like hours.” Totally! “So, set a timer for five or ten minutes on your phone. That way you won’t have to think about how long it’s been while you try to meditate. It may also help to count your breath.”

Applying practical tactics to the art of meditation may seem like an oxymoron, but for us YPs trying to learn, such strategies can be just the ticket. It was for us! With our iPhone timers set, working our way from five minutes to ten, to thirty, did become easier and more awesome each and every time, just as Rebecca promised. We also learned to go easier on ourselves. Some days were just too crazy for us to reach that level of calm and clarity, and that was ok. “Do not stress”, says our new YP yogi pal. “Life is a perfect balance of good and bad. Embrace them both.” 

And with that, back to our mats we go! Ommmmmm.