Meditation Challenge

My Meditation Challenge has continued to go well. I decided to go crazy and add 5 minutes to my meditation time! I know crazy, huh.... I have made some adjustments but I think that is the idea of the whole thing, to do what works for me so I will continue and challenge myself.

1. I meditate first thing in the morning. I feel this is a nice way to start the day and set myself up for success. Right now meditating first thing is easier for me because it is summer time. I am hoping that this challenge will help me make meditating a habit and when the pace of life speeds up in the fall this will part of my ADHD strategies.

2. I do continue to listen to music with headphones... That I have discovered is a non-negotiable for me. By blocking out the noise of the world, I can concentrate on my breathing.

3. It is harder than I thought.... but I have started to really see some positive benefits. I feel my focus has increased, don't get me wrong my mind is still like a pinball machine, but I can reel it back in easier now and have become more aware of my wandering mind. My patience has increased and I feel more at peace. I like starting off my day on a positive note and grounded.

Daring to Live Fully  has a great post 10 Practical Tips for Creating a Meditation Habit it is def worth the read!

Like this post if you are trying to live your life to the fullest!

Bridget

Meditation Challenge Day 5

Day 5!
    I am still at it and for me that is a huge accomplishment. I think dedicating myself to meditating and writing about it in this blog has helped keep me accountable. I must admit it is easier for me to settle in and begin to meditate now. However, my focus and thoughts are still like a pinball machine. So, I found some good advice from Meditation Oasis. This site has podcasts for a variety of meditation topics, a blog and some wonderful resources on meditation that are written with the novice in mind. One particular post caught my eye, Difficulty Meditating. Ahhhh, so I am not alone in feeling this way.

     1. Problems with thoughts in meditation:
         I think I just needed someone to tell me that it was okay for my thoughts to be still firing on all cylinders! The more I tried to stop my thoughts, the more dominate they became. Now I can just let them go and eventually they will slow down and I can concentrate on my breathing.

     2. Restlessness:
         Sitting still and quiet and my ADHD sometimes do not get along the greatest. I do get restless and want to stop at times, but today I acknowledged the feeling and continued with my meditation.

     3. Being uncomfortable with our feelings:
         This has not happened to me yet, I am still learning how to be comfortable with meditating!

     4. Disappointed that "good experiences" aren't always there:
         I am still working on the basics of meditation, for me it has all been good experiences. Even when I am not sure of exactly what I should be doing or feeling, I am open to the process and am hopeful of the results.

Stay focused and have a fabulous day!

Bridget

Meditation Challenge Day 4

Rain Rain Rain...

This summer has been so very hot and we are in the midst of a terrible drought, so this morning the rain that is falling is a very welcome sight for my garden and lawn. However,  the place that I have been meditating is on my deck and in the rain. So this morning I am trying a new spot...

I decided upon a quiet place in front of my fireplace. I lit a candle to help set the mood and had my headphones in! As a back up place it wasn't bad but I do think I like meditating on the deck better.

I have started to notice subtle changes in my normal day. I think I have more patience with myself and my children. One of goals is for my daughters to also begin to meditate as part of their ADHD living plan. Lead by example. Hopefully they will notice the changes in myself and want to try it for themselves. I shared this infographic from Emma Seppala, Ph.D. The Science of Happiness, Health and Success with my girls and now with you... :-)

Have a mindful day!

Bridget