Good morning, beautiful! (And if it’s not morning… in a minute you will understand the intro)
Before you reach for your phone, check your emails, or mentally run through your to-do list for the day, imagine taking a moment just for you. A moment to sit, breathe, and be. Sounds peaceful, doesn’t it?
Starting the day with a quick, soothing meditation can be a game-changer in our busy lives. It’s not about perfection; it’s about giving your mind the same care we often reserve for our bodies. Let’s explore the philosophy behind meditation, how it differs from mindfulness, and why your morning routine—five minutes or fifteen—can make all the difference.
Why Meditation Works: The Philosophy Behind It
At its core, meditation is a practice of stillness, awareness, and presence. Its roots stretch back thousands of years, with many cultures and spiritual traditions using meditation as a way to connect with a higher consciousness, inner peace, or simply a quieter mind.
In modern terms, meditation is a tool for mental clarity and emotional balance. It helps calm the mind by encouraging us to detach from the constant chatter of our thoughts. It’s like pressing the reset button before you jump into the day’s chaos. Starting your day with meditation not only creates a buffer between you and the stress that might be coming your way, but it also enhances focus, creativity, and emotional resilience.
Philosophically, meditation is about finding a space between what’s happening around you and your reactions to it. It’s not about pushing thoughts away or “achieving” anything. It’s about accepting whatever comes up—whether that’s a to-do list item sneaking in or a wave of emotion. And the beauty is, you get to let it all go in that space.
Meditation vs. Mindfulness: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up some confusion: What’s the difference between meditation and mindfulness? They’re closely related but not quite the same thing. Think of them as cousins, each with their own personality.
Mindfulness is a state of being aware of the present moment. You can practice mindfulness anywhere, anytime—while walking, eating, or even doing the dishes. It’s about paying attention to what’s happening right now without judgment. You’re focusing on the here and now, rather than letting your mind wander into the past or future.
Meditation, on the other hand, is a structured practice that typically involves sitting in stillness and focusing on something specific—your breath, a mantra, or a visualisation. It’s like a dedicated time for mindfulness, where the aim is to quiet the mind and reach a state of deep relaxation or awareness.
So, you can practice mindfulness throughout the day, and meditation is a dedicated time to sit with that mindfulness. Meditation can often lead to a greater sense of mindfulness in your everyday life. In other words, meditation is a tool to strengthen the muscle of mindfulness, making it easier to stay present throughout the day.
The Power of a Quick Morning Meditation
If you’ve read my previous article on grounding morning routines (and if not, don’t worry—I won’t hold it against you 😉), you’ll know that starting your day with some form of self-care sets the tone for everything that follows. Meditation is one of the most powerful ways to ground yourself first thing in the morning, even if you only have a few minutes to spare.
Here’s a quick meditation you can try tomorrow morning (or right now, if you’re feeling it!):
1. Find a Comfortable Seat: Sit somewhere you feel at ease, whether it’s on your bed, a cushion on the floor, or even a chair. The key is to be comfortable so you’re not distracted by discomfort.
2. Close Your Eyes and Breathe: Take a deep breath in through your nose and slowly release it through your mouth. Do this a few times to settle into your body. Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your body.
3. Notice What Arises: Let your thoughts flow, but try not to attach to them. Picture them as clouds passing through the sky—acknowledge them, but let them drift away. (Remember, this is your time.)
4. Visualise Calm: If you like, imagine a place where you feel totally relaxed—a beach, a forest, a cosy corner of your home. Picture yourself there, breathing in the calm of that space.
5. End with Gratitude: Before you finish, bring to mind one thing you’re grateful for today. This simple act of gratitude can shift your mindset for the rest of the day.
Why This Works
Meditation, even for just a few minutes, has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional resilience. When you start your day with this practice, you’re giving yourself a chance to be proactive about your mental and emotional health, rather than reactive to the stresses that might come later. In fact, studies show that regular meditation can physically change the brain, strengthening areas associated with attention, memory, and emotional regulation.
Just like with a morning routine, the most important part of meditation is that it’s adaptable to you. It doesn’t have to look like what’s written in a book, or even what I describe here. (I’ll try not to be offended!) Whether you prefer guided meditations, sitting in silence, or even combining meditation with gentle movement, the key is finding what works for your body and mind.
Adapting Meditation to Your Life
If you’re a new mum, those few quiet minutes of meditation might involve your baby in your arms, focusing on the rhythm of their breath. If you’re adjusting to a new job or city, your meditation might be about visualising a sense of belonging or calm amidst the change. And if you’re healing from a breakup, meditation can be a space where you reconnect with your inner strength and self-compassion.
The beauty of meditation is that it isn’t rigid. It’s fluid, adaptable, and should feel good for you. Maybe five minutes is enough, or maybe you want to stretch it to 15. The key is to allow it to become a natural part of your morning—something that fits with your lifestyle and needs.
How to Stick With It
Like any self-care practice, consistency is key. It’s okay if some days are harder than others, or if your mind wanders more than you’d like. (Spoiler alert: that’s going to happen, and it’s totally normal!) Just keep coming back to the practice.
And don’t forget to be kind to yourself. If your meditation practice doesn’t look perfect—or if some mornings you skip it altogether—that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection, but rather connection with yourself.
So, my lovely friend, I encourage you to give meditation a try tomorrow morning, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. Start small, adapt the practice to suit your life, and see how it transforms the way you approach your day.
Remember, meditation isn’t just for monks on mountaintops or yoga retreats—it’s for you, here and now, in the middle of your beautifully imperfect life. You’ve got this. 🌿
