Photo: Instagram @yoga_girl.
The word meditation can sound intimidating, even if the actual practice isn’t. Many people shy away from meditation because it sounds so deep, spiritual, and serious. Yes, meditation can be all of these things, but if that just isn’t your style, it doesn’t have to be. That’s what Rachel Brathen aka Yoga Girl reminds us with this simple post.
Brathen shares, “Bring a cup of tea. Sit in silence. Breathe deeply. Set the tone for what you want to create! Send some gratitude to the universe for the blessings you have in your life.” Now that doesn’t sound so bad, does it? In this context, meditation isn’t so formal, and you by no means need to be some kind of guru to benefit from it. Brathen reminds us that meditation can be as easy as a cup of tea.
At its core, meditation is a tool for self-reflection. It’s a means of fostering the energy and attitude you want to set forth as you go about your day. It’s a tool for expressing and experiencing gratitude. It strips away the superficial stress we experience every day, so that the mind can find calm and direction. All of these things don’t require a set method: they just require time to yourself and quiet.
If you’re looking for a little peace of mind, try designing your own meditation. It can very well be a solo surf session or a sunset paddle. It can be a cup of tea in your backyard first thing in the morning. It can be a hike through the hills in the afternoon sunlight. Meditation isn’t about what you do, it’s about what you choose to reflect on.
When creating your own meditation, remember Brathen’s key points: find silence, breathe deeply, set your tone, and express gratitude. These are the elements of your practice that determine what you get out of it. These are the elements that help you experience life to the fullest and find your center.
