Simple Meditative Practices to Integrate into Your Daily Life

Meditation can have a powerful effect on your life. It can help you feel calmer, happier, and more open to the present and future. It can give you the ability to pause before you respond so that you can do so more mindfully, kindlier, and more in tune with who you are. 

Of course, many of us simply don’t have time to add a 30-minute formal meditation to our daily routines. The good news is that you can integrate simple, effective meditative practices throughout your day and reap the same benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective.

Walking Meditation

All of us walk during our day. Maybe it’s from the bed to the coffee pot. Perhaps it’s down the hall at work to your office. You could walk to the bus or train, or the coffee shop on the corner. Wherever you walk, it’s a chance for meditation. Follow your steps. Feel your foot flex with your motion. Feel the earth supporting every step. Feel your breath move in and out in relation to each step.

Do the Dishes

Most of us want to get done with thankless chores as soon as possible so we can do something we enjoy more. However, that sacrifices the present moment. You’re avoiding life because you find it boring or unenjoyable, but that only means you’re missing what’s happening right now. Come back to the present. Focus on what you’re doing, whether that’s the gentle motion of the sponge across a dirty dish or the motion your body makes as you fold the laundry. This is the here and now and there’s nothing else. 

Loving-Kindness to Strangers

We all pass strangers during our days. Maybe it’s someone sitting across from you on the bus. Perhaps it’s the lady in front of you at the grocery store or the guy behind the wheel of the car in the lane beside you. Picture their face. Now breathe in and imagine that you’re absorbing anything bad that might happen to that person today. Breathe out and picture sending compassion and support to that person.

These are just three examples of simple meditative practices that you can work into your day-to-day routine. You don’t need to spend a ton of time performing them, and they can be very effective in helping you feel calmer, kinder, and more centered. Contact Mel today to learn more!