Meditation

Meditation is such a buzzword these days, and the evidence around its benefits is indisputable. However, if you’re anything like us, you find it really difficult to implement every day. Isn’t that the case with so many of the habits we know are good for us? 

The key to understanding meditation is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all. The goal is to step out of automatic mode, breathe in some capacity, and mindfully pay attention to the present moment.

 For some, sitting cross-legged in a room full of candles for half an hour twice a day is doable, and they love it. For most, that just will never happen, no matter how much you like the idea of it! Whatever you choose, you’re trying your best to achieve mental clarity, calm, and regulate your Nervous System. However, know that it is totally normal for your Nervous System to try to fight against this! A clear mind is not the goal—consistency, practice, and showing up are.

There are so many forms of meditation you could try. Sometimes that alone is overwhelming! We suggest starting small—pick a practice and try it daily for a week. See if it resonates. If it feels too much or just doesn’t sit right, pick another one straight away, but at least give it a few days of regular practice. Start with even one minute a day and build up to what feels realistic to follow long-term. You may notice small benefits quickly, but typically, progress is gradual. 

Journaling alongside this can be useful to really track if it is benefiting you. If none of these feel possible right now, take deep breaths throughout the day whenever you remember to do so (think of the Vagal breath discussed in the Chaos to Calm course). Sticky notes with “breathe” written on them around the house go a long way! Or, associate another habit with breathing—for example, whenever you boil the kettle, focus on your breathing.

Gud stories:

From Tia: 

A few years ago, I found myself constantly overwhelmed by the demands of daily life—juggling work, family, and personal expectations left me feeling exhausted and disconnected. I was running on autopilot, and my anxiety was through the roof. Desperate for change, I stumbled upon meditation as a potential solution. 

At first, I was sceptical—how could sitting still for a few minutes a day possibly make a difference? But I gave it a try. Each morning, I carved out ten minutes of quiet time to focus on my breath. 

At first, it was difficult—my mind would wander, and I felt restless. But over time, something remarkable happened: I began to feel a sense of calm and clarity. The constant chatter in my mind quietened, and I started feeling more present in my daily life. 

As the months passed, I noticed deeper transformations. My stress levels plummeted, and I became more patient with my family. I no longer reacted to challenges with anxiety but instead approached them with a newfound sense of balance. Meditation didn't just help me manage stress; it shifted my entire perspective. I became more compassionate towards myself and others, and I started to prioritise my well-being in ways I had never done before. 

Looking back, meditation was the turning point I needed to reclaim my life. It taught me to be still, to listen to myself, and to live with greater intention. It's not just a daily practice now—it’s the foundation of my peace, resilience, and joy.

From Janine: 

For years, I was stuck in a cycle of stress and self-doubt. I was constantly worrying—about my job, my relationships, my future. It felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was lost in my own life. 

A friend suggested meditation, but I brushed it off, thinking it was just another wellness trend. But after hitting a breaking point—feeling utterly drained and disconnected—I decided to give meditation a real shot. I committed to five minutes each morning, sitting quietly and focusing on my breath. 

At first, it felt like nothing was happening. I was frustrated, restless, and kept thinking about my to-do list. Then, something shifted. I began noticing small moments of calm throughout my day. I started to feel more present, more in tune with myself and the world around me. 

Meditation became an anchor, pulling me back when my thoughts spiralled out of control. Over time, those small moments of calm grew into a deeper sense of peace. My anxiety lessened, and I stopped feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. I began to trust myself more, make decisions with clarity, and even sleep better at night. 

Meditation didn’t just reduce my stress—it helped me rediscover who I was underneath all the noise. I found my confidence, my creativity, and a sense of joy that I hadn’t felt in years. Meditation helped me reconnect with myself, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

We’d love to know your experiences with meditation, so share your thoughts in the comments and lets start connecting.