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Concentrating...: Do you have any... - Anxiety and Depre...
I was crippled by anxiety for years in varying degrees. Some of which I wasn't even aware of until recently. Living beneath the veil of consciousness and awareness tends to be chaotic and lends itself to a life filled with repeating patterns of avoidance and escapism.
TBH, meditation is the way to calm the mind and stop the recycling of negative thoughts. I started by listening to the free version of insight timer meditation app in 2018. YouTube is a wonderful tool to find anything related to self healing and self help.
I started with body scan meditations to tap into how I was feeling on the inside and discovered how much negative energy I stored by feeling my body and how tense I was in various places. Chest, arms, legs, clenching jaw, headache, nausea, physical exhaustion...all symptoms of my anxiety. I used to develop a lump in the center of my sternum when my anxiety ramped up. I know how to release that tension now when I feel it building because I'm in tune with my physical reactions.
Start with a simple 2-3 min body scan and begin feeling how your body reacts. Keep walking outside daily. I go for a walk or jog everyday. Nature is naturally healing. Walk barefoot in the grass, that connects you to mother Earth.
There is no right or wrong way to meditate. Don't think you have to sit in a pretzel or be totally still or force yourself to stay put for hours in a sit. Sometimes I sit for 60+ minutes. Sometimes its 4 and I'm done. It's not about the length of time or doing it "right"... it's about getting in tune with YOURSELF.
I'm 7 years into developing this practice and I'm just beginning to feel the rewards it's producing. Start slowly and give yourself grace to discover your own way of releasing and letting go of the anxiety.
I meditate throughout the day now. I have a job that is very regimented. I've been a casino dealer for 30+ years. We work for an hour and get a 20 minute break. So I use meditation off and on during my workday. I try to sit in the morning but I don't hold myself accountable daily. More often I try to do longer sessions in the evening or on my days off.
Lately, I'm drawn to the cushion at all different times and I listen to what my body is telling me to do. I have ADHD so that can be disruptive and I try not to be too hard on myself if I can only sit for a few minutes. It's about figuring out what works for you as an individual and doing what serves you well.
There is no right or wrong way to meditate. You can do it in a crowded restaurant, in the line at the grocery store, in a traffic jam on the highway, in the shower...the options are limitless. It doesn't have to be on a cushion in an ashram.
Start slowly and investigate with an open heart and mindset. Your "practice" will unfold organically if you cultivate the habit and prioritize your awareness and keep that awareness in the forefront of your mind.
If you have a problem sitting still, there are walking meditations. It's just a different way to put your mind to rest and find the inner peace you're craving. Google "walking meditations" to see if that option would work for you. Or go to YouTube and search for the same thing.
YouTube has been my #1 biggest free learning tool for self help. Insight Timer meditation app has been #2. Both are free and worth every second I've invested 😄 ❤️
OMG! My dad would of loved you.He loved to play blackjack.
He went to the casino all the time. They knew him very well.😂
I'm looking forward to starting my new journey meditating. Thanks for telling me I can do it anywhere and anytime. That helps. Your very kind. And I really appreciate it.
Love your last comment.
Holding you in the light with loving kindness. Right back at ya.💕
Walking meditation is a mindfulness practice where you focus on the physical sensations of walking, cultivating awareness of your body and surroundings, and can be done as a standalone practice or as a break between sitting meditation. Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
Mindfulness in Action:
Walking meditation is a form of meditation that uses the experience of walking as the focus, bringing awareness to the movements of the body and the sensations they create.
Buddhism Practice:
It's a common practice in various traditions of both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, either as a standalone practice or as a break between long periods of sitting meditation.
Focus on the Present:
The goal is to be fully present in the moment, paying attention to each step, the feeling of your feet on the ground, and the movement of your body.
How to Practice:
Find a Space: Choose a place where you can walk comfortably and safely, whether it's indoors or outdoors.
Start Slow: Walk at a natural pace, paying attention to the sensation of your feet making contact with the ground.
Notice Your Body: Be aware of the movement of your legs, arms, and body as you walk.
Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
Return to the Present: If your mind wanders, gently guide your attention back to the sensations of walking.
Be Patient: It's okay if your mind wanders; simply acknowledge it and return to the present moment.
Alternate with other meditation practices: Some experts recommend alternating walking meditation with other forms of meditation to keep your practice varied and determine which form feels best for you.
Benefits:
Increased Awareness:
Walking meditation can help you become more aware of your body and surroundings.
Improved Focus:
By focusing on the sensations of walking, you can train your mind to stay present and attentive.
Reduced Stress:
The practice can help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
Enhanced Mindfulness:
Walking meditation can help you cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness in your daily life.
Improved Sleep:
Research suggests that meditating while walking outdoors is associated with the ability to cope with sleeping difficulties and mood disorders.
Still working through this new symptom, but ultimately it’s going to be resolving the underlying anxiety you have. I’m having these ‘eureka’ moments followed by pitfalls back into anxiety but I know I’m early into my process so I need to give it more time to work.
it often gets so bad I have to just take a walk outside to try and quiet the thoughts. there’s just so many moving rapidly in my head it really gets to be too much sometimes. it’s like my brain is operating in overdrive and barely anything will slow it down
Absolutely! Sometimes when I’m very overwhelmed, it’s like a brain fog comes over me. Doing something physical sometimes helps because my brain gets involved with the activity even though the thoughts are still there. I also try to see if there’s at least something minor I can accomplish which sort of boosts the ego a bit. Love your name - I’m a momma and married to an Italian, so almost 😉
yes i experience it everyday all day and it sucks i feel like i’m in a loop or in a world where i’m all alone because i’m not able to focus or think clearly and it drains me so i’m here for advice as well 😊
I definitely try to distract my mind and go do something. It does help alot. I think the lack of sleep gives me brain fog. Sometimes when I can I will take a nap. I feel so much better. I can think alot better too.
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