A frequent argument used by those who don’t keep with their meditation practices is that in our modern hectic world it is hard to find the time. I know I have said and thought this occasionally as well, especially recently when I haven’t been as good about my meditation practice. Yet as I’ve said before, meditating shouldn’t be stressful, nor should it complicate your schedule.
On the contrary, there are ways you can incorporate it into your busy life. For example, I have tried mindfulness exercises while driving to work. Obviously, you have to modify your practice a little because you still have to be aware of traffic. Yet you can still be mindful while doing this, mindful of the other cars on the road, mindful of the sights and sounds you encounter as you drive, the sensation of the driver’s seat, the feeling of the steering wheel, etc.
You can also practice mindfulness while eating. This is something I should absolutely do more of, because I tend to eat my food quickly. I think in another life I was a gazelle or something. That would explain the constant anxiety and eating my food quickly. But I digress. Being mindful while eating can make it more enjoyable, while also helping you eat less calories, which is something else I would benefit from.
In fact, you can practice mindfulness just about any time, doing anything. Taking a shower, getting dressed, spending time with family. These are all opportunities to practice your mindfulness. And sometimes you might be surprised what you find.
And when all else fails you can always carve time out of your day when you are feeling particularly anxious, or leave yourself 5 minutes at the end of the day to be mindful of how you are feeling in that moment, which can rid you of anxiety before sleep.
Yet however you find ways of incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices, I know without knowing you that not having the time is not the right answer. And I say that as much as a reminder to myself as anything, but if you find it to be a helpful reminder too, all the better. If not, thanks for at least stopping in. If you’d like to share some of the ways you incorporate mindfulness and meditation into a busy schedule, feel free to drop a comment below with your thoughts. If not, then until next time, be well.
The Dark Tales Project 