While meditation is becoming increasingly popular to improve mental health and develop spirituality, it is still widely misunderstood. Many people believe they can’t meditate or enjoy meditative practices because they aren’t good at sitting still for long periods of time. While the ability to sit still and silent can be acquired with practice, there are other options for enjoying the benefits of meditation. Active meditation techniques can be a great addition to a busy lifestyle, as well as for those who feel they are most able to quiet the chatter in their minds when they are in motion. Meditation often involves focusing on your breath to anchor your awareness to the present moment. Active meditation can allow you to use other sensations to achieve this same effect, such as the feeling of your feet hitting the pavement during a run. One major goal of meditation is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a state of being that encourages complete presence in the moment and helps reduce worry and stress. You can practice mindfulness while painting, dancing, or doing the dishes. If you can bring your attention entirely into the task at hand and avoid thinking about what you need to do next, you will begin to experience the benefits of active meditation.
One Step at a Time
Silent, still meditation is a great meditative practice to work up to, but you may begin introducing meditation into your life by practicing active meditation for at least ten minutes a day. You can do this while working out or completing your morning routine, but the concept remains the same. Whatever activity you choose, try to use all five senses to experience the action entirely. If you are washing your face, for example, refrain from thinking about the day ahead, and instead feel the temperature of the water on your skin, listen to the faucet, and focus on the way your face feels before, during, and after being washed. These seemingly mundane tasks can be turned into moments of quiet clarity and calm during the day, and help promote peace of mind.
Meditation can be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle and is often used as part of a holistic treatment for addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. We use an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.