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Learning Meditation

September 25, 2017

Meditation is a valuable tool to add to your arsenal of self help and manifesting practices.

I was diagnosed with anxiety at age 16.

I was on a myriad of medications for the first few years. I ended up going off and on these medications until my mid 20s, never feeling like anything truly worked for me. Around that time I went to my very first yoga class with a girlfriend. If you’ve never been to a yoga class, the first few minutes before and after are typically used to relax,  ground and center yourself, take cleansing breaths and clear your mind.

Well this was a foreign idea to someone who was used to go, go, go, go, go… My mind is usually in 20 places at once and at any given moment I’m usually overthinking some small task/interaction/conversation/past mistake. You know how squirrels twitch and dart about? Yeah, that was usually me. So when I was forced to sit still, close my eyes and just….breath, you’d think it would do me a world of good…

Nope. I was terrible at it.

I was twitchy. I envisioned worse case scenarios. I’d have flashbacks to every time someone showed me animosity. But there was a faint edge of calm that I was grasping at, and while on many days I couldn’t actually achieve it, it always seemed that I was on the brink of something that felt really good. I liked it.

So I tried meditating more often.

I talked to my yoga instructors, I read books, I asked friends. Slowly. Ever so slowly, I began relaxing while sitting quietly. I started being able to truly clear my mind and feel a connection with the universe–with something much bigger than myself. I was able to create an organized prayer, an intimate conversation with my Creator. Dang, it felt good.

Sure, the world and all it’s problems came back when I opened my eyes. But setting them all aside for a few beautiful minutes didn’t make them any worse or harder to confront. Setting aside the world for a few minutes can do so much good for your soul. Focusing on one prayer, one gratitude are the key to creating your calm.

So now that you have a little back story on me, I’d like you to try it for yourself.

Are you a nervous little squirrel like me? Or do you have trouble finding motivation?

Try this:

Sit upright but comfortably. Place your feet flat on the ground, or sit directly on the ground. You want to be grounded… this is literally you touching the ground. Think of it as channeling energy through the earth.

Decide an intention. This could be the affirmation that you’ll do amazing on that upcoming interview. It could be that you’re searching for the courage to start that workout program. It could be that you want to find a bit of inner peace. Whatever your intention is, hold on to it.

Place your hands on your knees, palms up. Through your open hands, you will be able to receive energies from above, the Universe, your Creator.

Once you close your eyes, move them up and inward. Try to “look” out from the spot between your eyebrows. This is considered your Third Eye Chakra. Keep your eyes closed and take deep, long, breaths.

Breath in through your nose and out of your mouth. Breath deeply and slowly.

Clear your mind. This part isn’t easy. I’m almost embarrassed to tell you that when I first started attempting to “clear my mind” I would imagine one of those children’s picture books; the one about colors….

Yep. This is exactly what I imagined.

I’d focus on black. The absence of color. If I focused intently on this shade, I’d eventually get to the point where I could stop thinking about everything else.

Next, envision whatever part of you is touching the ground as having deep roots, anchoring you to something much bigger than yourself. Feel all your worries, thoughts and stresses moving through your body and down through your roots, being released into the ground to be recycled. Hold this visual for a bit, then bring up your intention.

Maybe: I will walk into this interview full of confidence. The interviewer will be impressed with my knowledge and personality. I am an energetic match for this position.

Or maybe something like: I choose to cherish my body and begin on the road to creating a healthy, vibrant life for myself. I will honor what God has given me by eating well and exercising as best I can. I am worth it.

Then: As I breath in, I imagine white, happy light filling my body and as I breath out, I imagine all the worries, pains, and anger as a dark wind leaving my body. I will shine with a new, happy and positive light.

Hold this intention while you continue your deep breathing. Feel the feeling of your intention coming to fruition. If you want, speak a few words of prayer to God to solidify your vision.

Open your eyes and bring yourself out slowly. More deep breaths. Move only when you feel you’re ready to.

OK. What did ya’ll think?

Focusing takes practice and shutting out the din of the outside world takes concentration. I am confident that practicing meditation on a consistent basis can help with creating focus and calm in your life. This is a way of putting your intention and energy out into the universe. When you are an energetic match for your goals, there is nothing that can stop you!

Obviously, I still have anxiety. Some days I am absolutely unable to meditate because I’m so scatterbrained. It’s on those days that just attempting to meditate actually helps me remember what it feels like to slow down. And that can be so helpful.

Give it a try. Let me know your experiences.

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Fitness, Lifestyle Tagged: body, manifest, meditate, meditation, mind, peace, spiritual, wellness

sunnyjennadanielle

Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a w Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a wedding venue? True story. @firehouseeventcenter
⠀⠀
I love supporting and meeting others in the event industry which is why I was so excited to be invited to @simplyelegantaz last weekend for her Boss Babes Brunch. Bloggers and event planning?! It’s a match made in heaven!
⠀⠀
Julie of @simplyelegantaz even sent me home with a gorgeous pair of earrings! Any day spent with my girls @smashinglyashley_ @the.cocco.channel & @mrs.allpinkeverything in a beautiful space is a great day. I even got to meet new friends in @stylingbyerica & @nicoleryanblog and munch on some exquisitely arranged bites by @chef602.
⠀⠀
What a day! I can’t wait to work with @simplyelegantaz in the future. I highly suggest checking her out if you’re planning a wedding or any kind of event!
This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down when you need to.
⠀⠀⠀
So often I find myself focused on an end goal that I forget to pause. To  b r e a t h.
⠀
So here it is: take 3 minutes to close your eyes and take deep breaths.
⠀⠀
Ok, carry on. ♥️
(21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkboman (21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkbomani alcohol-infused cold brew! ☕️ Say whaa? #sponsored
⠀⠀
I just filmed myself trying this magical elixir for the first time and my thoughts are up in my stories now! 👀@drinkbomani has 0g sugar and is only 110 calories, making it the perfect accompaniment to your weekend brunch spread.
⠀⠀
What do y’all think? Does hard coffee sound like your kind of thing??
#bomani
Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly h Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly holidays. In fact, I believe the world could use a few more of them with the year we’ve had. 🍷
⠀⠀
Unless it’s a dry Prosecco or rosé, I’m usually a red drinker—I’m all about the Chiantis. So what’s your fav kind of wine?? #weirdholidays
🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... 🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... sometimes it’s even necessary! It’s no secret that I love my wine (and whiskey and beer and tequila). Heck, it makes me a nicer person and loosens up my flawless dance moves. 💃🏼
⠀
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean abstaining from imbibery. You can stay on track with your health goals and still partake every now and then. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Balance the fun 🥂 with the good 🥗 and try not to go overboard on either end.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s your drink of choice? I’m a wine 🍷 or whiskey 🥃 kinda girl.
Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back t Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back to @bluehoundkc at @palomarphx! We recently had way too much fun on a girls weekend in downtown PHX where @smashinglyashley_ and I were incredibly fortunate to be invited to brunch at @bluehoundkc. Y’all. Their avocado toast. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
Everything we tried was amazing—including the spam and egg sliders. Whaaa? Yep, I ate them and I’m totally sold.😍 If you’re looking for a chic, beautiful spot for brunch, @bluehoundkc cannot be beat. I’ll be back soon to try a bourbon flight!
#hosted #grateful
📸: @whcoles
Never underestimate the power of: •sunshine in a Never underestimate the power of:
•sunshine in a quiet place
•eating fresh veggies
•getting up 1 hour earlier than you normally do
•writing down your goals
•moving your body at least 3x/week
⠀⠀⠀
They’re little things, really. But taking the moments to do small things for yourself can ultimately create a healthier version of you (mentally & physically). Happy Thursday, friends.
The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the biggest day of the year for skipping work. It’s been estimated that today costs American employers over $3 BILLION every year. Whoa.
⠀⠀
Regardless if you’re calling out or dragging yourself into work today, or even if you're just moving a little slower than normal, I know you’re going to make something of today.
⠀⠀⠀
You’re stronger than any hangover. You’re ready to start this week fresh! Pour yourself another cup of coffee and dab some extra concealer under those eyes. Let’s make this week the best 2021 has seen!
I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and embrace the stillness in the moments. I’m one of those people that has trouble slowing down. What about you?
⠀⠀
I am learning patience in the painfully slow moments. I am learning that my to do list will survive without my persistent attention. I am realizing that I am constantly learning.
⠀⠀
Do you ever struggle with feeling guilty for slowing down?
I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years ago, my Vitamin D levels tanked. I was dizzy, fatigued and it felt like my skin was vibrating. 🤯
⠀⠀
Did you know Vitamin D was that important?
⠀
I’m happiest in the sunshine (preferrably on a beach, mountain or some other beautiful vista) and it’s no wonder my husband calls me solar powered. Anytime I’m feeling stressed (like lately), I know I need to reconnect with the outdoors.
⠀⠀
I’m planning an entire day in the sunshine soon, who’s with me?!
Follow on Instagram

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sunnyjennadanielle

Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a w Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a wedding venue? True story. @firehouseeventcenter
⠀⠀
I love supporting and meeting others in the event industry which is why I was so excited to be invited to @simplyelegantaz last weekend for her Boss Babes Brunch. Bloggers and event planning?! It’s a match made in heaven!
⠀⠀
Julie of @simplyelegantaz even sent me home with a gorgeous pair of earrings! Any day spent with my girls @smashinglyashley_ @the.cocco.channel & @mrs.allpinkeverything in a beautiful space is a great day. I even got to meet new friends in @stylingbyerica & @nicoleryanblog and munch on some exquisitely arranged bites by @chef602.
⠀⠀
What a day! I can’t wait to work with @simplyelegantaz in the future. I highly suggest checking her out if you’re planning a wedding or any kind of event!
This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down when you need to.
⠀⠀⠀
So often I find myself focused on an end goal that I forget to pause. To  b r e a t h.
⠀
So here it is: take 3 minutes to close your eyes and take deep breaths.
⠀⠀
Ok, carry on. ♥️
(21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkboman (21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkbomani alcohol-infused cold brew! ☕️ Say whaa? #sponsored
⠀⠀
I just filmed myself trying this magical elixir for the first time and my thoughts are up in my stories now! 👀@drinkbomani has 0g sugar and is only 110 calories, making it the perfect accompaniment to your weekend brunch spread.
⠀⠀
What do y’all think? Does hard coffee sound like your kind of thing??
#bomani
Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly h Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly holidays. In fact, I believe the world could use a few more of them with the year we’ve had. 🍷
⠀⠀
Unless it’s a dry Prosecco or rosé, I’m usually a red drinker—I’m all about the Chiantis. So what’s your fav kind of wine?? #weirdholidays
🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... 🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... sometimes it’s even necessary! It’s no secret that I love my wine (and whiskey and beer and tequila). Heck, it makes me a nicer person and loosens up my flawless dance moves. 💃🏼
⠀
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean abstaining from imbibery. You can stay on track with your health goals and still partake every now and then. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Balance the fun 🥂 with the good 🥗 and try not to go overboard on either end.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s your drink of choice? I’m a wine 🍷 or whiskey 🥃 kinda girl.
Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back t Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back to @bluehoundkc at @palomarphx! We recently had way too much fun on a girls weekend in downtown PHX where @smashinglyashley_ and I were incredibly fortunate to be invited to brunch at @bluehoundkc. Y’all. Their avocado toast. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
Everything we tried was amazing—including the spam and egg sliders. Whaaa? Yep, I ate them and I’m totally sold.😍 If you’re looking for a chic, beautiful spot for brunch, @bluehoundkc cannot be beat. I’ll be back soon to try a bourbon flight!
#hosted #grateful
📸: @whcoles
Never underestimate the power of: •sunshine in a Never underestimate the power of:
•sunshine in a quiet place
•eating fresh veggies
•getting up 1 hour earlier than you normally do
•writing down your goals
•moving your body at least 3x/week
⠀⠀⠀
They’re little things, really. But taking the moments to do small things for yourself can ultimately create a healthier version of you (mentally & physically). Happy Thursday, friends.
The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the biggest day of the year for skipping work. It’s been estimated that today costs American employers over $3 BILLION every year. Whoa.
⠀⠀
Regardless if you’re calling out or dragging yourself into work today, or even if you're just moving a little slower than normal, I know you’re going to make something of today.
⠀⠀⠀
You’re stronger than any hangover. You’re ready to start this week fresh! Pour yourself another cup of coffee and dab some extra concealer under those eyes. Let’s make this week the best 2021 has seen!
I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and embrace the stillness in the moments. I’m one of those people that has trouble slowing down. What about you?
⠀⠀
I am learning patience in the painfully slow moments. I am learning that my to do list will survive without my persistent attention. I am realizing that I am constantly learning.
⠀⠀
Do you ever struggle with feeling guilty for slowing down?
I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years ago, my Vitamin D levels tanked. I was dizzy, fatigued and it felt like my skin was vibrating. 🤯
⠀⠀
Did you know Vitamin D was that important?
⠀
I’m happiest in the sunshine (preferrably on a beach, mountain or some other beautiful vista) and it’s no wonder my husband calls me solar powered. Anytime I’m feeling stressed (like lately), I know I need to reconnect with the outdoors.
⠀⠀
I’m planning an entire day in the sunshine soon, who’s with me?!
Follow on Instagram

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