Meditation is always important, but especially when we find ourselves going up against fear. Many of these tools I will talk about are things we need to grow and cultivate so they will become a natural part of our lives, available when we need them. Fear, desperation and turmoil certainly can drive us to these practices There is never a bad time to start learning, but we cannot expect to have full knowledge of or the ability to use these tools immediately. It all takes time, so be patient. It will be worth it.
Meditation means different things to different people and there are many different methods and techniques available. Perhaps the easiest way to begin is simply by following the breath as it goes in and out. This is sometimes called “mindfulness of breathing” and will slow down and calm both the body and mind.
Meditation is something that can be practiced by people of any or no religious tradition. My meditation practice is a part of my religious practice, where we enter into the silence and experience the presence of God, but yours might be quite different.
There is such a thing as “guided meditation.” This is another tool and it is one that I sometimes use. These are often scripted and read. It is easy to become dependent on these words and the tone and delivery style of the teacher. So, if you use these be sure you are also practicing meditation on your own. The teacher, video or podcast might not be there in time of crisis.
In the crazy world we live in, we all need to stop, be still and remember who we are. Start developing your meditation practice now and it will be there for you when you need it.
For more information on meditation check our 101+ Positive Resources page.
I would love to know more about using this method with kids who have trouble sleeping due to anxiety and fears.
LikeLike
This isn’t really something I have experience with so I looked up two articles I hope you will find helpful. I also think meditating with your children is good role modeling. Maybe one of my readers will have experience with this and might answer you as well.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-1631/Meditation-for-Kids-4-Ways-to-Start-Kids-Meditating.html
http://www.susankramer.com/ChildMeditation.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope this helps. I find a one minute prayer helps both me and my son during any difficult time and we sit quietly and turn off all distractions. 1 minute is a long time for a kid and helps to center. At night before sleep talking about all the things we have to be greatful for is good and then finishing with this small prayer
” I have done my best
Please grant me rest”
I say this to the young ones.
“Dont be afraid, history shows us that humans have always had difficult challenges. Jesus wants you to focus on your school work, and finding things you enjoy doing”
❤❤❤
LikeLike
Interesting post as I just started back to meditation yesterday for this very reason. Thank you!
LikeLike
I’m hoping to include a few more meditation related topics as I go along with this. Finding words to explain what is just a natural part of my life is proving difficult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I learned from reading “A Tale for the Time Being”. In out 1, in out 2 til you get to 10 and then count the breaths all over again. Simplified it for me and I did need it simplified. I’m with you re prayer also.
LikeLiked by 1 person