One Meditation, One Minute, One Day at a Time

Feeling the immense burden of my uncertain situation, I yearned for something, anything, to cling to. I needed to place my faith in a higher power, the Universe, God, anything to reassure myself that no matter how challenging things became, everything would be alright. I would be alright.

Though I had previously heard about the benefits of meditation, I never seriously considered trying it. In an attempt to dull the pain, ease the anxiety growing in my stomach, and escape the uncertainty, I grabbed the remote control and began flipping through the TV channels. By around one in the morning, there was hardly anything on that could distract me from the present moment.

I came across a show's segment focused on meditation and its growing popularity in South Korea, which piqued my interest. I recall the presenter mentioning that numerous neuroscience studies indicate meditation alleviates anxiety, depression, and stress, and might aid some individuals in responding to specific situations with calmness and appropriateness. Was the presenter addressing me directly?

"Meditation relieves anxiety, depression, depression and stress and could help respond to certain situations calmly and appropriately."

It was faith. I stayed as motionless as the couch beneath me, even though my mind was racing at a hundred miles an hour. My heart was beating slightly quicker. Could this be the assistance I needed? I redirected my focus to the TV screen. The presenter was now speaking with a monk about how to begin a meditation practice. My eyes and ears were fixed on the screen. His advice was to start with one minute, one day, and one breath at a time.

Once the segment ended, I switched off the TV, set a timer on my phone, sat up straighter with my legs crossed beneath me, and closed my eyes. I concentrated on my breathing, inhaling and exhaling for a full minute. Each time my mind drifted, I worked to return it to the present moment. I was startled when my phone timer rang. I felt more at ease, hopeful. "Everything will be alright," whispered the small voice in my heart.

My issues remained unresolved and there was still a long journey ahead, but my perspective had shifted. I was confident I would overcome it. And I did.

Thus commenced my meditation journey, focusing on one day, one minute, and one breath at a time.

A fragrance, essential oil, or incense can also help establish an environment that enables you to concentrate on the present moment.

Here are some apps I used to assist with meditation (I don't suggest paying if it's solely for meditation purposes). These apps offer limited free access to meditations. The FitOn app is the top choice:

Fitton App

Calm

Headspace

This book also helped me get the practice: Best Meditation Method for Beginner's: A Simple Guide.

Do you meditate? Let me know in the comments.

As ever, thank you for being here. Until next time, be kind to yourself and others, and take care!

Zanounelie