This question has crossed my mind often lately.  What are my reasons for not meditating more regularly?  Are those reasons greater than the benefits that I feel following a meditation session?  I have an increasingly busy schedule, even though it is summer and school has let out.  I’ve seemed to overextend myself once again.  I’ve promised my time to far too many people.  Committing myself to teaching three weeks of summer camp, writing science curriculum for two grade levels, teaching my regular yoga classes twice a week, and beginning a new session of private yoga classes.  I truly enjoy all of these things individually, but their culmination coupled with my lack of sleep has left me feeling drained of my normal bubbly energy.  I’m only one week into camp and I find myself wondering where the day went and how did it go so quickly as I ready myself for bed each night.

So what has brought my lack of meditation to the forefront of my mind?  This week I’ve spent my time with middle and high school girls discussing everything Girl Power!  We’ve journaled, read empowering poetry and short stories, set daily mantras and goals, as well as meditating for 5-10 minutes and practicing yoga for 30-40 minutes.  Teaching this class has forced me into a daily meditation practice….and I’m loving it.

On the first day, I shared my intention for the class and then we dove in heart first.  We began our morning by setting the intention for our day. Then I explained the benefits of meditation, since most had never practiced before.

• Decrease pain
• Improve immune system
• Foster positive body image
• Increase compassion and empathy
• Build focus and concentration
• Increase gray matter
• Reduce emotional reactivity
• Reduce depression
• Ease stress and anxiety

“So why don’t you practice more,” my mind inquired.  I pushed the thought aside and began to lead our first meditation session.

Each meditation began with us finding a comfortable seat on the edge of a blanket while sitting on a yoga mat.  The lights were dimmed and ambient music played softly in the background.  Throughout the week we practiced varying types of meditation, including:

• Guided Meditation:  Gently allowing the thumb to make contact with one finger at a time with each inhale.  Starting with the right thumb touching the first finger, middle finger, ring, and finally pinky finger.  A breath was taken and then we moved to the left hand.  We focused on the breath and the physical connection of the fingers.
• Mantra Meditation:  We allowed the eyes to close, repeating our daily mantra with each breath.
• Breathing Meditation:   We used the visual and chime sound cues found on the Calm App.
• Body Scan Meditation:  I lead a guided meditation that instructed students to consciously focus on and then relax each part of their body, starting with their head and ending at their toes.  (We reclined on our mats, but this form of meditation can be done in a seated position.)
• Mindfulness Meditation:  Focused on the natural pattern, sound, and feeling of the breath.  Acknowledging thoughts and physical sensations as they come and go.

After a week worth of meditating 1-2 times daily, I’m feeling pretty good.  Things that would have pushed me close to the edge a week ago, got less of a reaction.  I’m still getting about 3.5-4.5 hours of sleep each night, but I don’t feel as exhausted in the morning.  I still feel tired throughout the day, but I feel less irritable.

At the week’s end the girls each thanked me for the fun and relaxing experience.  Each claimed that they were going to continue journaling, meditating, and practicing yoga.  But one thing that I know is true, life happens and even the best intentions can be forgotten when we get back to our regularly scheduled busy lives.  I too gave hugs and vowed to continue our powerful practices.  But the real question remaining is, “Will I?”  One of the reasons I followed through with these goal setting practices, is that I knew that the girls would hold me accountable each day asking me what I was able to accomplish from my productive goals and if I meditated for at least 5 minutes.  There is something special about having a non judgmental accountability partner.  I’m going to miss checking in with these girls each day, but I’m in the market for a new accountability partner.  Someone who will remind me about the benefits that I’m missing out on when I skip practicing self-care.  Any takers?

When I do meditate, music helps! Here is some soft music that may help you too.