
As a wife and mother of three children under ten, along with two dogs, and deeply committed to helping others heal, carving out time for myself and maintaining consistent meditation and mindfulness practices is often challenging. Over time, I’ve come to understand that if I don’t prioritize these practices, I struggle to show up effectively in every part of my life.
I currently am enrolled in mediumship development class where we are supposed to sit in the power daily. Sitting in the power is a meditative practice where you strengthen your connection with your inner spiritual energy and higher consciousness. This exercise involves sitting quietly, often with the intention of attuning to your soul's essence and aligning with universal or spiritual energies. Unlike traditional meditation that focuses on relaxation or mindfulness, sitting in the power is about expanding your awareness and developing a deeper relationship with the energy within you. From speaking with my classmates, we all have one thing in common- struggling to do our practices daily.
In today’s fast-paced world, we are always just a call or message away, with news and updates constantly in front of us it is hard to stay in the present moment. Between the constant notifications, busy schedules, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. If your life is anything like mine, it feels like there’s always something unexpected demanding attention.
However, cultivating mindfulness and practicing meditation can be powerful tools to help you navigate life's chaos with calm and clarity.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they arise, helping you cultivate a deeper awareness of your experience. Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, mindfulness teaches you to embrace the present.
"When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another — and ourselves." - Jack Kornfield
The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation
1. Stress Reduction
Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness and meditation help reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels—the hormone linked to stress responses.
2. Enhanced Focus and Productivity
Regular meditation can improve your ability to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently. Mindfulness allows you to minimize distractions and focus on what truly matters.
3. Improved Emotional Regulation
Meditation helps you become more aware of your emotional triggers, giving you the space to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
4. Better Sleep
Mindfulness practices, particularly before bed, can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
5. Increased Self-Awareness
By regularly practicing mindfulness, you can develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts and feelings, leading to improved self-awareness and personal growth.
How to Start Your Mindfulness and Meditation Journey
1. Start Small
If you’re new to mindfulness or meditation, start with just 5-10 minutes a day. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can guide you through short, beginner-friendly sessions.
2. Create a Routine
Consistency is key. Whether you meditate in the morning to set the tone for your day or in the evening to wind down, having a regular practice helps establish mindfulness as a habit.
3. Practice Breathing Exercises
One of the simplest ways to cultivate mindfulness is through breath awareness. Try this:
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in.
Slowly exhale and focus on the sensation of your breath.
If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breathing.
4. Incorporate Mindfulness into Daily Activities
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be confined to seated meditation. You can practice it while walking, eating, or even doing chores. The key is to bring your full attention to the activity at hand.
5. Join a Meditation Group or Class
Practicing with others can be motivating and provide valuable insights. Look for local classes or virtual meditation communities to deepen your practice.
Overcoming Common Challenges
"I can't quiet my mind."
It's a common misconception that meditation requires a completely still mind. The goal isn’t to eliminate thoughts but to observe them without attachment. Over time, this practice can lead to greater mental clarity.
"I don’t have time to meditate."
Even a few mindful minutes can make a difference. Try integrating mindfulness into your existing routine—practice mindful breathing during your commute or take a moment of gratitude before bed.
The Role of Mindfulness in Spiritual Practices
Mindfulness serves as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, allowing practitioners to access a deeper sense of purpose and understanding. Here are some ways mindfulness enhances spiritual growth:
1. Deepening Intuition
When the mind is calm and present, it becomes easier to access intuitive insights. Many spiritual seekers use mindfulness to enhance their ability to perceive subtle energies and messages from their higher self or spiritual guides.
2. Connecting with the Higher Self
Mindfulness helps quiet the chatter of the ego, allowing you to connect with your higher self—the part of you that is aligned with your spiritual purpose. In this state, you can receive guidance, wisdom, and clarity.
3. Experiencing Oneness
A key aspect of many spiritual paths is the realization of interconnectedness. Mindfulness fosters a sense of unity by helping you see beyond the surface and recognize the shared essence between yourself and the world around you.
4. Purifying Negative Energies
By being present with difficult emotions or negative energy without resistance, mindfulness allows you to process and release them. This purification is essential for spiritual growth, as it clears the way for higher vibrations and deeper peace.
5. Enhancing Rituals and Prayer
Whether you practice prayer, rituals, or affirmations, mindfulness can amplify their effectiveness by anchoring your full attention in the moment. When you are present, your intentions carry greater power.
6. Accessing Inner Wisdom
Mindfulness helps you cultivate the patience to listen to your inner voice. Through consistent practice, you learn to distinguish between the noise of the mind and the whispers of your soul, leading to more profound spiritual insights.
If you’re exploring your intuitive potential or want to learn more about developing these abilities, consider taking a free quiz to assess your strengths and guide your next steps.
Mindfulness and meditation are lifelong practices that offer immense rewards. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, a greater sense of purpose, or enhanced spiritual awareness, the key is to start where you are and be kind to yourself throughout the journey. Every moment you spend cultivating presence is a step toward a more balanced and fulfilled life.
Ready to take the first step? Book a an intuitive reading with me for personalized insight to support your journey.
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