Meditation. When I say this word, the image that comes to mind for many people is something like the image to the right. 
I know that’s what I thought when I first started reading about meditation. I thought it was making that “Ohhhmmmmm” sound and “emptying your mind” and all of the other things I’d seen in movies and TV shows.
I know, very narrow-minded of me.
What got me to change the way I viewed meditation was a book. Shocking, I know, the English teacher found a revelation in a book. Big shock. I heard about this book from an interview on ESPN radio with the author. His name is Dan Harris and he was describing the time he had a panic attack on live television during Good Morning America. You can see the actual footage, and listen to Dan Harris talk about it here.
The book is called 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story
You can find it on Amazon, and I actually have two copies in my classroom library at school that you are welcome to borrow; if and when I am allowed back into my classroom that is. The basic synopsis is that over the course of several years, Dan Harris discovered something called “mindful meditation”. I HIGHLY recommend the book. Not only is it an eye-opener on meditation, but it is also entertaining, funny, and sarcastic (probably one of the reasons I enjoy it so much).
Reading this book got me started on my own journey in learning about mindful meditation. I have been trying to create time in my daily schedule for the past few years to meditate. At the end of the book mentioned above, he gives you a step by step method of mindful meditation.
I find that when I make time for this, usually only 5-10 minutes a day, my mind is calmer, I am less likely to snap at people, and I am genuinely a nicer person to be around. Ask some people who know me (maybe a certain spouse) and they’ll say I should probably spend a lot more time than I do and maybe I’d be more pleasant to be around.
According to the website for the app Stop, Breath, & Think mindfulness is,
“a way of paying attention to what is happening right now, by observing what’s going on inside (your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations) and outside (your interactions and surroundings) with openness and curiosity[…] that allows [people] to label their emotions, understand that those emotions are impermanent, and use strategies to regulate those emotions”
I think one of the best aspects of this is an increase in your ability to simply observe your thoughts, feelings, etc. and not necessarily react or respond to them. Harris likens it to standing behind a waterfall. The water pouring down represents the thoughts we have on a daily basis. Mindfulness helps us to be aware of those thoughts, but to understand that we do not have to be carried away by them.
Our current situation in the U.S. is one of great stress, anxiety, and worry. Much of these thoughts and feelings can be useful. But often, at least with me, I find myself caught up in these thoughts and unable to distinguish between what is helpful and what is simply causing me to worry/stress. So I thought today I would share some potential resources that might help you if you are interested in the practice of mindful mediation. I do not do it every day. I should. It comes down to me making the time for it, and too often I let other things get in the way. I hope that today’s post might be helpful to you, even in some small way, and I will list some resources at the end should you be interested in finding out more information.
I’d be happy to talk to anyone who has questions about my experience with this, although I am by no means an expert. I’m just a grumpy, sarcastic husband/father/coach trying to be better for all those around me.
A few mindfulness meditation resources:
Apps (just a few, there are a TON more): “10% Happier”, “Stop, Breath, and Think”, “Headspace”, “Calm”, “Aura”
Stay safe, stay healthy, STAY HOME, and always remember, PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOU!
The High Release 
Leave a comment