In the midst of canceling all activity in order to meet the manuscript return deadline on Friday, I made myself pause for 30 minutes to take time to meditate. In truth, no matter how “busy” we are, everything runs so much more smoothly if we only convince ourselves to still the mind periodically.  

There have been countless research papers and books published in recent years on the biological and psychological benefits of meditation. Anxiety and stress disturb hormonal balance. Meditation helps to restore hormonal balance and strengthen the immune system.

When I first toyed with the idea of meditation, I discounted it. I didn’t know how, plus I didn’t have the time. Can you relate? I resisted this practice for years. What I eventually learned is that I don’t have time not to meditate.

Several years ago, I attended a personal development weekend workshop with my husband. We all sat in a circle, and the facilitator emphasized that the meditation we were about to experience would be very powerful. It was a long meditation, during which the participants ended up doing all sorts of things—breathing heavy, crying, talking out loud. One guy rolled around on the floor moaning as if having an orgasm. I experienced nothing. Absolutely nothing. We went around the circle, and each person was asked to share what we experienced. When it came to my turn, I declared, “I flunk meditation!”  

My reaction to that experience held me back for ten years. I was convinced I could not meditate. Then one day a friend said to me, “Rosie, the moment you sit down with the intent to meditate, something happens–if you are aware of it or not.” Those words were so freeing for me. It gave me hope.

Then I learned that you do not need to sit in a certain position or chant certain sounds in order to meditate. You can meditate while washing dishes. You can meditate while walking the dogs. You can meditate while admiring the beauty of nature. You can sit at your desk and be still for two minutes. You can play any number of meditation CDs, or you can sit in silence. The point of meditation is to quiet the mind, to stop the chatter, and just be. When thoughts come to your mind, and they will, notice them and let them pass through you. Everyone’s experience with meditation is unique–but one thing is for sure, you cannot flunk meditation.