The Art Of Meditation

This time of year before the holidays is crazy.

 

We have papers, tests, group projects, and studying to do everyday, not to mention our other extracurricular responsibilities. Oh yeah, and we’re trying to still be college students and have fun, right? The weather is getting colder, and we are tired. It’s easy to lose sight of exercising and eating healthy when the sun practically sets at 2 p.m. Something that helps me get through those long days is a dose of meditation.

 

I know what you’re thinking: I can’t turn my brain off. I can’t sit still for that long.

 

All you have to do to meditate is focus on your breathing. As soon as you get the hang of that, you’ll be able to clear your thoughts for the time being. I typically meditate for 5-15 minutes per day, depending on how hectic my schedule is. When I meditate, I sit cross-legged with a straight back and my palms facing upward on my knees. This helps with my posture, and I’m now more aware of my breathing even when I’m not in my meditation position.

 

 

Meditating is such a great stress reliever, and according to the Harvard Business Review, it makes you more productive. When you’re able to hyperfocus on your breathing for a certain amount of time, you’re more capable of channeling that energy into other aspects of your life, like studying.

 

Two summers ago I got an email that I would usually throw into my junk folder, but I decided to open it. It was from Deepak Chopra, and enclosed was a free three-week meditation challenge. I took the challenge, and after a few days, I could instantly feel my mood transition to a more serene state.

 

So, how are you going to find the time to meditate?

 

I typically meditate before my classes in the morning or a little bit before I go to bed. During these times, I either have a full day ahead of me or am just finishing the last thing from my to do list. I write “meditate” on my to do list almost every day to remind myself how important it is that I dedicate time to this peaceful practice. I like to start and end the day on a positive note, and being calm definitely helps me implement that.

 

Start out small. Try focusing on your breathing for a few minutes initially and with every new day try adding a few more minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be the calmest of calm and you’ll want to meditate every day without it feeling like a chore. While you’re in the zone, try listening to the song “Weightless” by Marconi Union to put yourself in the right mindset.