That’s what I thought last year, when I made an attempt to sit still on my mat. It was supposed to help me with my depression. And it didn’t. What now? As I explained in a previous post, there is a difference between alone-less-ness and solitude. As my mind became more quiet with the help of medication and I’ve found some beginnings of stability in my mood, I tapped into my ‘Inner Quiet’.

I enjoy being alone! Not too much alone time is good for me, neither too little. It’s about hitting that sweet spot. And I thought to give meditation another chance. No, it actually found me as I like to read various articles on the net.
After my workout, I cleaned up the room and myself and sat down for five minutes. My posture was ok, nothing was hurting me or my heartbeat didn’t go through the roof. I wasn’t worried about how to hold my hands or if I was doing it right. I counted by breaths when my mind started to wonder about what the neighbors might be up too. (As a side note, I don’t know what my issue with neighbors is but it’s always something. It could be me though).
I let my eyes rest and followed my breathing. Sounds came and went through the open window and I felt the morning breeze on my face. And that’s it, there was nothing more or less about it.
I don’t care if I’m doing it wrong, if my posture is not 100% correct or that I shouldn’t count my breaths. I’m happy to found that stillness inside of me. It was gone for so many years and in those five minutes I made room for it. I invited it. I don’t know if it will come next time, but I’ll be sitting on my mat.
I’m not sure how wrong it is if what you are doing is helpful and bringing a sense of inner peace and quiet! I would say, keep it up!!!
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I will (and I’m doing it already) 🙂
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I think it’s the stillness that matters rather than how you get there.
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It came with a lot of self-care and other supportive measurements 🙂
Also from good advice from a book written by a certain blogger 😉
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❤️
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From what I’ve read the main thing is not to do it for any special reason except to do it. Namaste 🙏
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I’m glad that I made that effort to just try it again. With no special reason behind it. Maybe some curiosity. 🙏
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In Buddhism, they even have walking meditation. So, you are doing great in whatever fashion you meditate!
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That’s also true. I want to try that too because I think I can do that in the garden.
Thanks for the tip and compassion 🙂
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You bet! 🙂
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It’s strange to say, but sitting still definitely takes practice. You’ve inspired me; I might just meditate later ☺️
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So nice to hear! And sitting is definitely and art 🙂
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Congratulations on reaching that peaceful stillness! That was what I discovered I could not find in the traditional meditation pose. For me, it’s easier to reach that state at a gentle walk or lying down, but I sometimes wish I could reach it in the seated posture. 🧎♀️
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Normally all of my body aches and it was just for 5 minutes too. I guess when I try to sit longer it will be uncomfortable too.
It really depends on my state of mind and on all the messages that my body is sending me.
I find it also easier to do after yoga or after a workout when the body is more relaxed.
I think it’s normal for us in the West to have trouble sitting. A gentle walk, lying down, sitting in a chair or leaning against a wall are all good alternatives. There is not really a wright or wrong.
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Tai Chi: that’s what I had to do for years before I could sit still long enough to make seated meditation useful for me.
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I agree that some form of pre-work can be very useful before jumping into meditation. For me yoga works very well for that purpose.
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