What is Meditation?

According to the meditation world,

"The explanation of meditation is a state of deep peace that occurs when the mind is calm and silent."

Well, I don't know about you, but my mind is never calm and silent. Well, I shouldn't say never, I have these moments periodically, where I stare off into space and for a few seconds, can't break the stare, and feel like I am experiencing a little re-set. Does that ever happen to you? When my kids catch me staring, they say that they know when I am feeling tired, that's why I am staring. LOL

Over the past few years, I have been practicing meditation. Not everyday, not for hours at a time, but as often as I can, for at least 10 mins, I sit in silence, eyes closed, in hopes of experiencing a few moments of no brain chatter, peace and inner clarity.

I'm still trying...

I use guided meditations, sound waves, silence, even quiet, solitary walks. Although I have yet to enter what Deepak Chopra refers to as the "gap", I have to say, I feel like I am making progress, that I am connecting more with who I am and what is really important to me. It also give me time to reflect and feel, actually feel, grateful for everything in my life.

Here are a few stats that I learned at one of my group meditation classes that I just loved.

• the real purpose of meditation is to connect your heart, not your mind
• we all should mediate for at least 12 minutes a day, everyday, to help improve memory and brain function. Clinical research supporting this claim has just been recently published.
• in order for you to change a habit, you must perform that action for at least 21 consecutive days. Once you have done so, you will have successfully changed a habit.

I have participated in a few 21 Day Meditation Challenges with the Chopra Centre and have never been successful with completing the challenge.

I am currently participating in their latest Creating Abundance meditation challenge and am on day 12. It has been a good experience so far, no earth moving experiences, but I feel good and am reminded daily that abundance is all around me.

Are you participating in this challenge? I'd like to know what your experience is or of meditation in general. I'd love a few accountability partners and hear about your personal experience.

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