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"Quiet the mind and the soul will speak."~ Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati
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I thought I would share some ways I find to "meditate" even in the midst of a busy life. Sometimes meditating is not sitting on a cushion, chanting. It really IS just about finding YOUR point of stillness in a chaotic world. In these moments of contemplation and silence, we can better hear the wisdom of our hearts.
1) Mandala Coloring or Etching books...
Okay, you guys! You seriously have to try these! Have you ever tried those mandala coloring books? They are awesome for relaxation! Especially if you are not great at sitting still to meditate! Even better than those? These amazing mandala ETCHING books! You scratch off the pattern to reveal amazing colors and mandala patterns! It is soooo satisfying! ha! I am so freaking addicted and it reduces soooo much of my anxiety!! I made the photo above black and white just because I love it that way but it's actually rainbow underneath the layers you scratch off!! It slowly morphs through the colors of the rainbow as you follow the pattern! It's so great for people who can't slow themselves down enough to sit down to meditate in the traditional way!! Highly recommended!!! I may never do anything else again, it's so fun!! (Sometimes I work on my mandalas while our kiddos are coloring! That way, we can be together, but doing our own thing.) They are called "Mandalas for Meditation: Scratch-off Nightscapes"! You can find them on Amazon.
2) Incense/ Candle...
There is something so incredibly soothing about gazing into the smoke of incense or the flame of a candle. I usually will do this on most mornings just in case I don't get my meditation in. I burn the incense or a candle and simply set my intention for the day. This is super quick. Max time about 2 minutes and I'm off to start my day. This practice is a great one to start with if you are new to meditation and just can't seem to settle into longer sessions.
3) Coffee or Tea Ritual...
Seriously, ya'll. Coffee IS meditation. When the first sip of warmth hits your lips, isn't it just magic? Or is it just me? haha! Create a quick 5-10 minute ritual of making coffee or tea (I really love making French press coffee for this if I have time because it still takes a little time...you really take time to be present in the making. Or make a quick cup of coffee or tea and just take a few moments to walk outside, breathe and take in the moment.
4) Shower Meditation...
You guys! You are going to laugh at me! Ahh! I am so busy as a mom and small business person, that sometimes the only time I get to myself is in the shower. So I have created a little ritual that I do for meditation and creativity; I draw mandalas or words of affirmation on my shower door steam! haha Hey! Sometimes you just gotta' fit your meditation in anywhere you can!
5) Mindfulness...
Take a few moments first thing when you wake up (or at some point in your day) and list 5 things you are grateful for. It really is such a great habit to get into. Sometimes I like to do it at the end of a long day (ESPECIALLY if it's a hard day, it's a good ritual to commit to). Taking time to remember 5 things you are grateful for, is a really wonderful reminder and re- calibration of our energy; reminding us of all the good in each day. When it has been a particularly hard day, I sometimes take a moment to watch the sunset...and I can't help but think to myself..."We made it." And isn't that such an amazing thing? To experience another day...
Tell me! How do you create sacredness in your days? What are your "mini meditations"? I'd love to hear how you take time for meditation, to refill your own well or to find simple, sacred moments to recharge! I can always use good ideas and it's great to share with each other how we find balance in our busy lives. Because it is so important, in the busyness of it all, to not forget to LIVE!
Love, Natasha
