Have you felt stressed out because you believe you are not “doing” meditation enough or correctly?  Stressing out about meditation is oxymoronic.  Give yourself a break.  Today, let’s reframe meditation and consider, instead, the beauty and gift of stillness. 

By allowing ourselves a few minutes of stillness, we become refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated; it doesn’t need to be an elaborate or costly endeavor.  In fact, it can be cost and stress free and take very little time. 

For our purposes today, stillness is:

·Slowing down.

·Quieting the heart and mind.

·Getting centered.

·Breathing.

·Focused inactivity of mind, body and soul.

·Rejuvenating.

·Self-care.

Stillness benefits us greatly, even if we are still for only a moment or two.  Don’t feel you need to devote 20-30 minutes at a time in order to perfect stillness.  A few moments of stillness will still be beneficial.  You don’t have to have the perfect venue, equipment, posture or music in order to experience stillness.  Be still where you are, when you can, for as long or as short of a time period as is convenient and pleasurable. 

Even the practice of taking three deep cleansing breaths in the midst of your day can calm, rejuvenate and help still your mind, body and soul.  Another benefit of three deep cleansing breaths is that they can be done anytime and anywhere:  during your commute, at a meeting or while waiting in line.  Be inventive! 

Another easy way to get some stillness in your day, dear one, is to purposefully take a few minutes for yourself with a favorite beverage.  Be present with yourself (and your drink) and allow yourself this gift of stillness. 

Another beautiful way to experience stillness is to escape to nature and allow yourself to appreciate the beauty and grandeur that is present.  You can even visit nature during your break or lunch time. 

I love to take a morning meditative walk with my dog each day.  We both love the experience and it is an easy way for me to get stillness of mind even when I am moving my body. 

We discipline children with “time outs” which takes them from an upsetting situation, gives them some distance and helps instill desirable behavior. 

Today, give yourself a “time out,” not because you have done anything wrong, but rather because you are worthy of the gift and beauty of stillness.  Allow yourself this pleasure.  By enjoying this self-care practice of the gift and beauty of stillness, you benefit not only yourself, but also all those with whom you come in contact. 

I’m including an image from my “Love Notes from The Divine” inspirational card deck.  Here is the meditation card.  May it inspire and bless your heart today.  

I’d love to hear about some of the ways you incorporate stillness into your life.  Reach out to Janette@angel-angles.com. 

Blessings of love, joy and peace. 

Love,

Janette

This article first published on My Authentic Life Magazine on June 1, 2018