What to do When Meditation Isn’t Working
I know what you’re thinking! Is there even an alternative to this? Well I’m here to tell you, there is!
Meditation is classically done seated while staying still and as hard as that can be to learn, you teach yourself to do it and you reap immense benefits from it. However! If this practice is causing you more stress than help and you roll your eyes every time anyone mentions meditation, well my friend, I’m here to tell you … MOVE!
Try a moving meditation. By that, I mean get up, turn on some music and just start moving. If it helps turn off the lights and just move .. without judgement, then get weird, dance, breathe deep and just completely embody the emotions that come up. When I say things may come up, they may. Sometimes they don’t, but this is the same as if you were in a traditional meditation. You are giving your body the opportunity to communicate to you. Listen. Sometimes the truth hurts and almost always, it’s liberating. Your cards are on the table for you and only you. Feel, move, breathe and be empowered to let go.
If you have children at home, wait until they're asleep or get up early and put in your headphones honoring your time and letting them sleep. Spouse in the way? Go in the garage and again, headphones. You make this work, maybe lock yourself in the bathroom. Anywhere. I’m only speaking for myself here when I say there is a magical release that takes place. If you haven’t found it during a traditional meditation, seek it out in a moving meditation. There is no right or wrong to a moving meditation other than try to stay focused on you. Connect deeply with the breath as you move the body. If movement is your go to, initiate with the breath and be empowered that you have found a new way to experience the benefits of mediation. You are allowed to dance, you are allowed to do some yoga postures, you are allowed to make it up.
With that, I encourage you to disconnect from the fear that will try to hijack your space and steal your liberating moment. AKA Am I doing this right? This is weird. I’m stopping. What am I even doing? etc. The list goes on. BUT you know very well that the list for why you attempted this in the first place is probably equally as long. Give yourself grace in the learning the let go process. You are human and this is a journey. On THIS journey my friend, you are leading. Is it scary? Yes. Is it rewarding? Yes. So why the heck not?
This is somatic intervention. Somatic intervention is a technique that helps discharge the body of tension and interrupt feelings of fear, lack, stress, anxiety, etc. through the movement. For me, it felt like I had my power back. It felt like I was in the front seat. My truth, my power.
Hey! If it’s not really for you, I’m assuming you are already very aware of the benefits a traditional meditation brings, and I encourage you to capitalize on that. Your wellness, your choice…
So get moving.
