Thoughts & Meditation

The goal of Meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you

Whether you’re a beginner at Meditation, or more advanced, we all start from somewhere and it’s important to encourage others to practice and be supportive, no matter what level anyone is at.

I remember when I first started meditating and practicing yoga and I was a bit overwhelmed at all the information out there and what might best suit me. I was fortunate enough to have support around me and a family friend who was teaching yoga and I decided to join her classes, which also helped me feel more comfortable.

I went from going to one or two classes a week, to around five classes and meditation - I couldn’t get enough! I was going to these classes and practicing as much as I could for months and it came at a time in my life when I really needed it and I gained so much out of it, so much so that I decided it was something I wanted to teach others about and help them like it helped me.

It was then that I searched for the best school and teachers to learn from and I found Australian Centre for Holistic Studies, who are amaaazing!

I have been on this journey with the college for a couple of years and have finally, as of June 2019, graduated and received my certificate to be a meditation teacher and I couldn't be more excited to share this journey with you, and possibly take you on your own journey.

One important thing that I’ve learnt, out of many, is that thoughts come and go during meditation and whilst you’re sitting there enjoying the vibes, you can acknowledge the thoughts and let them go. YOU’RE in control and your thoughts are not. You’re the 'boss' of your mind and body and you don’t have to sit there and dwell on your to-do list, the birthday you missed recently, your dogs dinner, Christmas preparation, your new years resolution or whatever else may come up at the time.

The mind is a very powerful tool and we can let it take over if we give it the reins, but if you do, don’t always expect smooth sailing.

If you think about it, you can manipulate yourself into anything, really, and at the centre of all your anxiety, worry and fear is your brain - your mind. It is quite possible to work yourself up into a tizzy over literally anything and I’m sure you’ve probably noticed this before too, and if you do notice it, then that is important.

I know I suffer with anxiety and I catch myself out when I’m getting worked up, worried or anxious and I stop. I realise that for no apparent reason, other than worrying about WHAT MIGHT happen, my mind is stressing me out. It’s ridiculous how much power my mind has over me sometimes.

There are a couple of personal techniques I taught myself for overcoming anxiety in times of need, however there are moments where I need super human strength to settle the mind and that’s okay.

What’s important is remaining present and letting go of any current thoughts in your head at the time. Sometimes it even helps to have a crystal or an object in your hand to squeeze, which keeps your focus on something physical and off your thoughts.

Another great method is focusing on your breathing, and we do this in Meditation, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds. You may change the timing of each breath to what best suits you, as the main objective is slow, deep breathing which helps ease the mind, relax the body and bring the heart rate down.

I will share more on Meditation techniques and delve deeper into the thought patterns that occur, however just for now, you may like to try the suggestions above that have worked for me and see how you go.

Know that, it is perfectly normal to have thoughts pop up during Meditation and it’s hard to avoid. The more you practice, the more you will be able to let your thoughts flow in and out without bothering you too much.

Let’s start on this journey together, I’m excited!

Namaste, Lisa