How to create a habitual meditation practice & support others in doing so.
Although meditation has been proven to offer a host of benefits, including reduced stress, improved focus, and increased well-being, many people struggle to create a habitual meditation practice. One of the main barriers is time and commitment. In our fast-paced society, it can be challenging to find time to sit down and meditate, especially when there are so many other demands on our time.
As a mediation coach, I find the obstacle that often gets over-looked is discovering an approach that enables the experience of personal enjoyment. We want to build a practice that makes us feel good in a healthy way right? - thats the main objective!
There are many different types of meditation, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people find it difficult to quiet their minds or stay focused during meditation, while others find it challenging to self-prioritise or maintain a consistent practice over time. Some people are visual and others or not - they are sentient which means they feel the answers in meditation rather than ‘seeing’ in their minds eye - this is key to translating the experiences we have in mediation because even though our eyes are closed we are receiving information and connecting with our inner ‘voice’.
There may be cultural or societal barriers that discourage people from practicing meditation. Some may view it as too new-age or spiritual, while others may associate it with certain religious practices. These perceptions can create a sense of skepticism or discomfort around meditation, making it less likely that people will try it or stick with it over time. Although we have gained great philosophy and profound insights from gurus, there has also been scandal and corruption. Luckily for the sceptics there are lots of science-based research studies.
To overcome these barriers, it is important to approach meditation with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. Trying different approaches, finding a time and space that works best for you, and incorporating meditation into your daily routine - even just by using a simple walking mindfulness technique (see my article on meditation postures) can all help create a consistent and sustainable practice. Additionally, reframing meditation as a tool for self-care and stress reduction, rather than a spiritual or religious practice, can help make it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of people.
While meditation can be practiced independently, working with an expert helps develop a consistent and effective practice. A meditation teacher provides personalised guidance and support, helping individuals to find the right approach and develop the skills necessary to meditate effectively. Advanced Meditation guides are also highly intuitive and, like myself, consider themselves empaths, acting as an energetic channel for healing. Helping clients see and feel more in order to clear and cleanse emotional blockages.
Working with an expert can also help overcome common obstacles to meditation, such as racing thoughts or difficulty staying focused. Through personalised instruction and feedback, teachers help individuals develop strategies to manage these challenges and build the skills necessary for a successful practice. CBT style techniques for managing thoughts are especially good for beginners.
Moreover, the support of a meditation expert helps individuals to stay confident, motivated and accountable, especially in the early stages of developing a meditation habit. Once someone has a proof point in their life as to the benefit and enjoyment of meditation it makes it much easier to build consistency. After that a regular check-in with an expert can help individuals track progress, set goals, and stay committed to their practice over time whilst experiencing the life changing power of the practice.
