Positivity

Mindfulness and Meditation

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Some time during January of this year, when my exam stress was beginning to rear its very ugly head (4 months early – nice one, anxiety), I began taking meditation classes at a local Buddhist centre. Each session would focus on a different topic, covering everything from happiness and love, to death and reincarnation.

At first, I found that sitting still on the floor whilst concentrating on the coolness of the air entering my nostrils was (understandably) fairly alien to me. After a few weeks though, I really started to enjoy each session. I was slowly becoming calmer, kinder and more thoughtful.


Since finishing the classes, I continue to meditate whenever I can, even if I only manage to do it a few times a week. Although I still have a long way to go and lots more to learn, mindfulness has greatly improved my outlook on life, and eased my anxiety.

Whether you’re already into meditation or are thinking of taking it up, I’ve put together a few little tips for you to make the most out of your meditating experience:

  1. Space – It’s important that you find a peaceful place in which you feel comfortable to practice meditation. For some people, this may be in a bedroom or living room, for others this may be outside in a garden with nature.
  2. Atmosphere – Creating a relaxed atmosphere will help you concentrate. Experiment with what works for you; do you work better in total silence, or do you prefer a little background noise, like gentle music? You may even want to light candles or incense sticks.
  3. Apps – With the rise in popularity of mindfulness and meditation, numerous apps have been created, such as Headspace and Calm. My personal favourite, however, is the Stop, Breathe & Think app, which allows you to track your emotions before and after a meditation.
  4. Time – Meditation does require dedication (look at me go, I’m a poet). Find a time in your day, like after breakfast or before you go to bed, to fit in your meditation – even it is only 5 minutes.
  5. Focus – It can really help to have a specific goal in mind before you start meditating; it could be long term (like: by practicing mindfulness I want to become a more grateful person) or short term, a goal for the day.

What helps you to focus? Has meditation/mindfulness helped you in any way?

39 thoughts on “Mindfulness and Meditation”

  5. Nicely written. When it comes to meditation I always remember something I read a long while back.
    You don’t need a specific place or surrounding to be able to meditate, although that helps. To meditate you can just sit and take in your breathe and breathe out, consciously. So each breath is a conscious action. Be it for 5 seconds or 5 minutes. It helps relax and channel energy.

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  9. I love this! Thanks so much for sharing, I will have a look into those apps. Have a read of my latest article if you like: ‘The Pursuit of Mindfulness: Stepping Off the Hedonic Treadmill’ 🙂

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    1. I have tried Calm! I wouldn’t say it’s my preferred app for meditation though. If you feel you can meditate without the cues then go for it; sometimes the voices/cues on the apps can distract you, rather than help you to focus.

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  13. I really like that you have certain meditation goals. I think everyone who starts meditation, maybe just me, has the overall vision for mindfulness at the center. As we learn our way around and through the tangled mess of thoughts we sometimes get lost. All be it that’s fine. But if you’re hoping to really get something out of your practice perhaps having weekly goals journaled will provide a path through the discursive thoughts. Thanks for your blog post.

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  14. I really like your personal thoughts on mindfulness! Just being aware of what works for you is really a good place to start is my experience. I think closing my eyes as if I’m going to fall asleep brings me to a good focus. Although I almost fall asleep I remember to feel the pressure on my bottom on the floor it usually helps. It does make me uncomfortable too when I focus on breathing through my nose though.

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  17. Great post! I recently started meditating and it reduced my anxiety and general uneasiness i used to feel. I also do a bit of loving kindness meditation too. It really helps with the mood.

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  18. Meditation helps us come to the present moment away from the mind. Because all the worry and anxiety is created in the mind, meditation is a really good cure for it. It also help us appreciate the temporary nature of everthing. Our very breath is temporary. Every in breath is immediately followed by an out breath. Things are constantly changing and unfolding.

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  19. Great advice! Meditation has so many amazing benefits. Even during the day at work or in a stressful situation, it’s helpful to do quick breathing exercise (like tracing your fingers as you inhale and exhale) to bring your attention to your breath and bring your mind to that meditative state to help release negative thoughts and get back to your day! Thanks for a great read! ☺️

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  21. Great post! Thanks for sharing your experienceI just wrote about my first experience with meditation on my blog as well, there r some questions that I have that you might be able to help me with! great if you can have a read on my blog when you have the time!

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  22. Another good app, Insight Meditation – ctimed sequences, eg sitting & walking meditation, can be preset; many talks by teachers to listen to; variety of guided meditations. Free version available but well worth the upgrade.

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  23. I’ve been meditating for a while and some days it’s easy,s one days it’s tough, but it makes a massive difference to my feeling of wellbeing, and kindness to myself and others. Occasional deep insights too. Keep going!

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