A Few Tough Nights

My mind wandering over the past nights.
Making my meditations very difficult! 

The past few nights I have found my meditations to be very difficult. I had a really hard time focusing. As I have decided that I prefer to meditate without music or guided meditation, but instead in complete silence, any little nice around the house can catch my attention. For example, my father watching TV. I can hear the television from my bedroom, and it is very difficult to tune it out.

My sister is another distraction, her room is right next to mine, and she is usually getting ready for bed when I am doing my meditation. I can hear her door opening and closing, while she runs from her room to the bathroom.

However, my main distraction; the noise in my own head! 

On Sunday night in particular. I had had a very big weekend and could not stop thinking about it. I also met a guy on Saturday night, and we made plans for Monday to grab coffee. Understandably, I was quite nervous, and couldn't stop going over different scenarios in my head! 

I don't have the most experience in the dating scene. Not because I don't get asked out. I always just say no... I think it is because I am afraid they won't like me once they get to know me, or something silly like that. That's a whole other can of worms! 

I tend to get really nervous when I have to try new things and tend to over think things. A lot. I really do get myself worked up over these things. Even though I know; in the long run it really doesn't matter. And when it comes to this boy; if things don't work out, chances are, I won't ever see him again. He doesn't exactly run in my circle of friends. 

Monday night was quite similar, except I was constantly thinking about our little coffee date. That, by the way, went fine. He even asked if I wanted to do something this coming weekend. But for some reason I still felt the need to obsess. 

Tuesday night, I still couldn't stop obsessing. I kind of think that that is not very healthy? Not sure.

Hopefully, tonight will be different. I think I am more relaxed so that is a plus! 

Day 1 - Meditation Challenge

Meditation helps you become more aware
of your surroundings

I started a Meditation challenge today. In order to be able to properly decide if meditation is truly for me, I have to give it a fair chance. I figure 90 days is a perfect amount of time to fall in love with it, or for it to grow to be my enemy - unlikely.

I started with a simple 10 minutes today, I listened to a guided meditation by Daniel Goleman. Specifically, his mindfulness meditation. It was supposed to be 14 minutes, but my back was starting to really hurt, so I had to cut it short. During meditation you are supposed to sit up straight, and my posture is horrible. I have been working on it though, I wonder how long does it take to correct posture?

Well that gives me a great idea for a new post! exercises to improve posture. I have been given some good ones from my physiotherapist.

Back to the point! I felt good during my meditation, I found that 10 minutes wasn't too hard to sit through. I think that it is a great start. I look forward to tomorrows meditation.

Short-Term Goal: Be able to meditate for 15-20 minutes by the end of June.

Long-Term Goal: Meditate twice daily, for a total of 1 hour and 15minutes by Christmas. (Assuming I fall in love with meditation and decide to stick with it past the 90 days)

I'm not sure if my long-term goal is realistic or not. I will be able to better judge the time frame when I have a little more experience. I encourage you to try meditation if you haven't. Set goals for yourself, and write them down so you don't forget them.

If you are interested, join me in the 90 challenge!

Best of luck!

Meditation

As I have been having trouble sleeping, have been dealing with some depression, and I seem to be exhausted all the time, I have decided to try is meditation. I have heard so many good things about meditation, and I truly believe it will help me to reach my goal to life a better healthier happier life.

I will start by doing it every day for 10 minutes working my way up to 30 minutes.

I am wondering about others' experience is with meditation though. I would love to hear your advice.

Here are a few of my questions:

• Is it best done at night before bed? Or in the morning after waking up? 
• Should you not do it on a full stomach? Or does that even make a difference?
• Should I meditate to soft soothing music or maybe some ocean sounds, a guided meditation or nothing at all? Also, if you do have any specific music suggestions I'd love to hear them!
• Do you sit on the floor cross legged or on a chair? What about a balance ball?

What has worked best for you? I know that you are supposed to do whatever works best for you, but I would really like to hear what has and hasn't worked for others as well.