You already know that meditation is a healthy practice, right? It’s been proven to cultivate self-awareness, improve focus, and benefit the cardiovascular & immune systems. More recently, it’s also been found helpful in eliminating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Steve and I started meditating six years ago with the help of this book. It’s amazing what just 8 minutes a day can do for your mind and body!
That first year of meditating – even for only a few minutes each day – was one of the most genuinely happy years of my life. Which is strange because there were a lot of difficult things going on at that time. Everett was a newborn. I was working as a pharmacist in a high crime area. (Our pharmacy was robbed twice in the 16 months I worked there.) And, consequently, I was applying and interviewing for jobs elsewhere. My mom was battling schizophrenia. She attempted suicide, was in and out of the hospital and, eventually, filed for divorce from my dad. By all accounts, I should have started eating or drinking my sorrows away or had a nervous breakdown. I’m not saying it was easy but I felt like I handled everything with a clear mind even when I was grieving.
Here’s the thing with meditating: it keeps me from getting caught up in the things I can’t change. I’m less reactive. I’m more optimistic. Regular meditation gives me the focus I need to be proactive about the things I can do and / or change. And, in general, I feel more in tune with my body. Maybe that sounds a bit voodoo to those who’ve never meditated before. But it’s all true.
So I don’t know why I let it get away from me. We moved, had another baby, renovated a house and stopped meditating up until a few months ago. I’m so glad we’re back at it.
At first, Steve and I would meditate together after we put the kids to bed. Then Steve said he thought the kids should try it, too. We started meditating as a family about a month ago and guess what?! The kids LOVE it. After the first 10-minute session, Layne and Everett were begging to do it again. We use the Headspace app. I don’t think it’s marketed toward kids but it’s actually very kid-friendly. There are animated shorts which the boys always look forward watching.
After one month, we’re up to 12-minute sessions! We usually meditate in the boys’ bedroom as a part of their bedtime routine. Layne and Everett (ages 9½ and 6½ respectively) are really into it. They follow the app’s guidance and I love watching them “come to” at the end and stretch with woozy smiles. Mabrey? Well, she’s only 2½ and doesn’t follow along. HOWEVER, she is silent while we meditate. (!) She stays in the room with all of us and usually reads a book or putzes around. It’s not something we tell her to do. I think she just sees us being quiet and knows to do the same. Even if she isn’t meditating per se, I think it’s great for her to witness us doing it. Hey, I’ll take 12 minutes of silent bliss any day!
Do you meditate? Would you try it? Have you ever thought of meditating with your kids?
P.S. – Get some Headspace in book form, too.
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
family life, inspiration, kid-friendly