Ways to keep your meditation practice going
When I first started meditating, it felt great. I’d had a little instruction and I started sitting at home, alone, every morning.
With that, I was leaving for work every day with a state of calm and bliss, and my days were simply going much better.
The fact was, I knew my initial enthusiasm for a regular meditatoin practice would start to subside. Then I’d stop and regret it, something I’d done over and over, with many interests.
Because I knew it mattered so much, I took a leap of faith. I booked my first meditation retreat, several months in advance. I wanted to have that commitment even if I stopped meditating in the meantime.
Thinking of your own meditation retreat? Our retreat center in BC Canada has three cabins and offers group meditation retreats.
Several months later…
By a few weeks before that retreat, I had indeed pretty much stopped meditating. Yet, the flight was booked and they were expecting me. There was no question in my mind of backing out, or that this was the best meditation retreat for me right then.
When I completed my meditation retreat, I can honestly say it was a life-changing experience. My practice earlier in the year was apparent to the teacher and this boosted my confidence hugely.
Most importantly, I had done something to support the aspiration and keep my practice going.
For the same reason, when I came back from this first meditation retreat I did something else to help my meditation pracitce. I looked for a local group to meditate with.
The universe will support your aspiration
The first meditation group I found didn’t resonate. So after a few events with them, I kept looking. From a classified ad, I knew that someone offered a meditation class on Tuesdays. So far, though, I hadn’t been able to go because I almost always worked on Tuesday evenings.
The next chance I had, I went to his class. Yet, I was aware that I might not be able to go again for several months. Two things happened there. First, I resonated with a truth I’d never experienced before. This man was connected to something I wanted. And second, he announced that, after a few years of teaching only on Tuesdays, he would start teaching on Fridays, too. The following week.
With John’s Friday class, I found an oasis that supported my meditation practice through the week. I learned that this trip across Tokyo after a week of work was worth it. It created space and energy in my mind so I could more easily carry mindfulness through the week.
Six months later, I took a pay cut to block off my Tuesday evenings so I could go twice a week. Once again the universe supported this decision. I was immediately offered more part-time work, which more than made up the difference.
I figured the universe was telling me this was a good move!
Three ways to keep your meditation practice going
So, if you’re starting up a meditation practice or struggling to keep one going, here are three things that just might help:
Taking the step of reserving my first meditation retreat in advance gave me confidence that I’d follow through.
If money is an issue, you might be able to pay a deposit. Then budget yourself each month to cover the rest. You can book a meditation cabin here at our meditation center in BC for a minimum of three nights. There’s guidance available if you need it.
2. Find a local group that works for you
It’s easier with others. I found it super helpful to have a time every week when I knew a meditation is going to happen. Now, I live in a conscious community that offers this to others.
There are all kinds of folks out there. So don’t be discouraged if the first group you meet doesn’t resonate. Follow your inspiration to meditate and the universe will support you.
3. Invite people to a join you for weekly sit
You don’t have to be a teacher to offer your space. Sitting together–opening and closing with a simple prayer or ritual–is mutually supportive. I know some people who like to read a passage from a text at their weekly group sit. Or you could have a small group reflection session before or after.
Honor that space – of course making sure it’s clean and conducive to clear, good states of mind. Hold a space with clear guidelines of how the session will go from arrival to departure.
What have been some of your celebrations or challenges around keeping up a regular meditation practice?
Leave a comment below to share with others and let us know.
And if you’re considering a retreat, Clear Sky’s personal cabin retreats are designed to give you a balance of formal practice time and mindful activity.