Meditation has had a tremendously positive impact on my life. I was first introduced to it many years ago when I was in seventh grade and dealing with a lot of anxiety as I hit puberty. My parents, eager to help, suggested I see a psychologist. During our sessions, the psychologist would ask me to sit in a big, comfy leather chair, close my eyes, and focus on deep breathing. At first, it felt odd, but slowly, I noticed how much it helped me.
I didn’t keep up with meditation during my teenage years. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my daughter, Vienna, that I reconnected with it. Meditation, combined with positive affirmations, was invaluable in managing my anxiety and negative thoughts during pregnancy. After Vienna was born, I stopped meditating again, but I picked it up at the end of January after a particular incident.
I had a terrible experience during a solo business trip, where I became seriously ill with a stomach virus or food poisoning in the Bahamas. The worst part was passing out in front of a large audience, which triggered an intense fear that it might happen again, despite knowing that was unlikely. The situation left me desperate for a solution, as I had multiple speaking engagements lined up. Overcoming this anxiety was crucial, and that’s when I turned back to meditation.
Reintroducing meditation into my life has been transformative. It helped me cope with the challenges of the pandemic, keeping anxiety at bay over the past months. I’m grateful for the influence of my dad and Aunt Denise, who have long advocated for meditation. My dad, after his 2015 heart attack, chose meditation over medication to manage his anxiety, which was incredibly inspiring for me and led to many deep conversations between us.
In my latest video, I share my journey, the benefits of meditation, and some of my favorite meditation apps. I tend to prefer guided meditations, though focusing on my breath works when I don’t have my phone handy. Meditation has helped me silence my overactive mind, though it’s natural for my thoughts to wander occasionally. Recognizing and redirecting my attention is how I gauge my progress.
Meditation for me is about progress, not perfection. Here are some tools I discuss in my video:
1. **Insight Timer**: Offers over 50,000 free meditations. It’s easy to use, and I enjoy sessions by Sarah Blondin and Tara Brach. It also has a beginner-friendly “learn to meditate” section.
2. **Meditation Minis Podcast by Chel**: Short, topic-focused sessions available through podcast apps that are perfect for when you’re short on time.
3. **Deepak Chopra’s Daily Breath**: These brief, insightful mini sessions are also available on podcast platforms.
4. **David Ji**: His calming voice offers powerful meditations, available on Insight Timer and YouTube.
5. **Calm App**: Initially got me back into meditation, especially with Jeff Warren’s 30-day program. I love the daily “meditation” and subscribe for full access.
6. **Ten Percent Happier App**: Another great option featuring meditations from Jeff Warren and comprehensive content.
7. **The Honest Guys on YouTube**: Their meditations were a great help during my pregnancy, thanks to my dad’s recommendation.
Starting meditation can feel daunting, and it’s common to feel like you’re struggling at first. However, there is no right way to meditate—no special cushion or posture is required. Remember, it’s about growth, not perfection.
Feel free to try out the techniques shared, including the Calm app’s 10-minute daily guided meditations or Jeff Warren’s beginner series—they really helped me. For additional options like Hay House meditations, check out the links I’ve shared.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their positive experiences with meditation. Keep practicing and remember, progress is the goal.
I hope this helps anyone feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about how to incorporate meditation into their lives.
