Creating an authentic meditation routine is challenging, yet we all crave moments of tranquility.
I’ve struggled to articulate my experience with mindfulness. Initially, I was a soul plagued by anxiety, perpetually hooked on hustle culture and the glorification of fatigue. Although it might not have always been evident in my demeanor—having been conditioned from an early age to maintain a professional mask of false serenity—I was internally tumultuous.
I embarked on my yoga journey in 2018 and ventured into meditation in 2019. Both practices are profoundly intertwined with mindfulness for me, although I make it a point to carry that awareness into all aspects of my life. I view myself as a recovering workaholic; there are numerous mental barriers that hinder us from entering a meditative state when we become fixated on our productivity and the capacity to cram tasks into a single day.
I’ve gathered enough insight to realize just how early I am in this journey.
My fiancé and I have been meeting a multitude of remarkably skilled artists, musicians, and creatives in NYC, and we’ve noticed a common pattern. Individuals who possess a genuine commitment to their craft—regardless of what it is—often refrain from overselling their level of expertise. Many skilled individuals still identify as beginners.
I don’t wish to come off as conceited by claiming I’ve reached that level of mindfulness—doing so would undermine many aspects of what this practice signifies for me. Nevertheless, I’ve progressed sufficiently to grasp a bit more of the profound extent of how much further I must go. I am undeniably a beginner. Yet, despite the long road ahead, the pursuit no longer feels daunting. I’ve been making gradual advancements on this path, and I’m confident that by consistently engaging in meditation nearly every day, I will continue to refine this skill. More importantly, I can enjoy the calming benefits in every session along the journey.
Meditation is becoming more manageable and feels genuinely comforting.
During my initial attempts at meditation, I frequently fell into a pattern of frustration. My racing thoughts would prevent me from achieving calm, leading me to emerge from each session feeling ashamed of my perceived inadequacy, guilty for “wasting time,” and generally discontent. I even resorted to odd behaviors, like using meditation periods to brainstorm my writing projects—which, in its own peculiar way, was quite soothing.
My meditation journey improved significantly once I prioritized my mental health. Although I ought to have started much earlier, I began working with a therapist in 2021, and I’ve since never looked back. Navigating healthcare’s red tape and expenses is always challenging, but addressing the root cause of my chaotic thoughts—anxiety—has greatly enhanced my ability to slow down, find serenity, and meditate.
You must explore which practices resonate with you.
I am a fan of guided meditation, even today. Whether in a workshop with a meditation instructor or through an online recording, guided sessions usually work better for me than complete silence or just audio elements. If traditional meditation has left you struggling to quiet your mind, guided meditations featuring visualizations can significantly transform your mental experience.
This is where experimentation becomes essential. Even among guided meditations, there exists a myriad of combinations involving breathing exercises, visualizations, gentle movements, or somatic actions like tapping or rubbing your body, along with countless other mindful practices. Experiment with everything. Even if it initially seems silly, find a private space where no one can observe you rhythmically tapping on your shoulders. Give it a shot. You might discover that an unexpected method genuinely enhances your practice.
For me, meditations incorporating visualization greatly resonate. I was fortunate to participate in a deeply spiritual yoga studio that adopted a pragmatic approach to mindfulness and the “woo-woo” aspects of yoga, as it’s often referred to in the West. However, due to their practical methodology—emphasizing how practices such as meditation soothe the nervous system—I could approach it more openly. They led guided meditations on self-love and other themes that felt sufficiently grounded for a skeptic like me to engage.
It’s permissible to bend the rules a bit if you’re experiencing emotional benefits from it.
As long as you stay aware and centered in the present, I believe there’s some flexibility in how we engage with these practices. There are moments when my energy wanes, prompting me to lie down and meditate.