Finding Your Why

In last week’s New Year’s meditation, I mentioned thinking about your “why” when setting your intentions. Giving some thought to your “why” can help you commit to meditation (or anything). It generally comes from your core values and becomes a spotlight reminder keeping you focused and energized. 

My “why” is wanting to have more control over my time and attention. Life seems happier and simpler when I have a moment to tune out everything else and turn my attention inward regularly for check ins before stress, distractions and busyness accumulate. However, it didn’t start that way. In fact, when I first started, I didn’t have a “why”. I had a “why not?” 

I knew meditation was something that was recommended, but I didn’t think it was something that I needed. I didn’t feel overly stressed. I felt pretty at peace and connected to myself. I barely found time to exercise, let alone put aside the time to sit quietly! 

After the seed was planted, it was a collection of mini moments leading me to start the habit. A friend passed along a book. Another friend taught classes that I really enjoyed going to. Little by little, I started to notice the benefits and I wanted to learn more. 

I began seeing that although I didn’t feel stressed, the signs and effects of stress were there. I noticed that although I felt at peace, there was a lot of noise in my head. I now like the feeling of being able to notice when that is happening and stop the merry go round of thoughts and reduce some of their redundancy. This helps me be more in tune with my gut instinct and more clear-headed. 

I still feel like me. My life still feels like my life. Yet, everything feels just a bit more manageable, and I am more present, resilient and grateful throughout it. 

If you’re thinking about incorporating meditation or being more mindful, this article 12 Science-Based Benefits of Meditation is a helpful start in fine-tuning what you’re looking for. Some common benefits are 

1-    reduced stress

2-    controlling anxiety

3-    emotional health

4-    a stronger connection to yourself

5-    more focus

6-    a younger brain

7-    more compassion for yourself and others

Meditation doesn’t have to be about fixing something. As I say, it’s developing your UQ: the intelligence of you. Turning your attention inward, gives you the opportunity to optimize who you already are. 

There are so many wonderful resources out there. I’m available and happy to help you navigate them and to start a plan- even if it’s committing to taking one mindful breath at a time.