Shutterstock
If you’ve tried and failed at traditional meditation before, you might think that it just isn’t for you. However, there are more ways to be mindful that don’t involve sitting perfectly still.
It’s worth noting that the goal of meditation is not to completely clear your mind. Instead, it’s to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without engaging with them. But sitting in silence can be frustrating–and boring. Here are some alternatives to try instead.
One of the easiest ways to get started with meditation is by letting an expert guide you. Instead of wrestling alone with your thoughts, try out a guided meditation.
Listen to an audio recording or watch a video–you can find plenty of options on YouTube that won’t take more than 10 minutes of your time.
Visualization exercises can include guided meditation, or you can try it on your own. Imagine yourself in your favorite place, or think about what it would look like to achieve a major goal.
Walking offers so many benefits. Not only will you improve your health, but you can reap the benefits of meditation, too. Leave the earbuds out and focus on your surroundings, on your body, and breathing as you walk. It’s relaxing and good for you.
Taking things a step further–if you’ll pardon the pun–consider tai chi or yoga. Both of these exercise practices incorporate deliberate movement with mindful breathing. You’ll gain flexibility and balance–both in your body and mind.
Could practicing guitar be a form of meditation? Increasing amounts of research show that you may get the same benefits from playing an instrument as traditional meditation. If you’ve never played an instrument before, the ukulele is an easy, inexpensive place to start.
If physical exercise isn’t an option for whatever reason, breathing exercises are a great alternative. A simple pattern of inhale-hold-exhale for 10-15 repetitions can help you feel more grounded and energized. There are other forms of breathing exercises–again, YouTube is a good place to start.
Weird name, huge benefits! Forest bathing is the idea that we need to spend time in nature to restore our bodies and souls. Going outside–preferably for a walk or hike–and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature is a wonderful way to be more grounded. Literally.
You know what’s great about combining mindfulness with crafting? You get the benefits of meditation and a nice hat or piece of artwork. Knitting, crochet, coloring, cross-stitching–almost any form of crafting lends itself to meditation.
Wait, what? How is cleaning the same thing as meditation? It’s all about being mindful while performing routine tasks. Use your chores as an opportunity to be thoughtfully engaged with your environment.
