Relevant Daily Meditation

Taking time to breathe and meditating has given me great peace since Michael's death. I can definitely say I've become more of a spiritual person and paying more attention to what my spirit, body, and mind are telling me. Some days I'm busier than others and I may only get five or so minutes at night before I go to bed. I try to shut off all stimuli, read a daily affirmation, and focus on the breaths. Other times I spend a bit more time and focus on the mediation and what the Spirit (God, Allah, etc.) is telling or showing me.

When basketball ends and I have more regular time on my hands, I have made a goal of spending at least 15 minutes a day meditating. It gives me a chance to focus on the good in my life and to be thankful.

One recent meditation was so relevant in where I am right now that I wanted to share a part of it:

When we experience the death of someone or something dear to us, we may experience some emotions of sadness, anger, and grief. They are natural and not to be suppressed or resisted. They clamor for our attention so that we don't miss the need and the opportunity to give sacred awareness to the end of one experience and the beginning of a new one. They are indicators of a sacred event for the soul. In this way, we may bring hospice to the old and birth the new.

When we experience emotions like sadness, it is good to take heed and ask if the emotions are pointing to some aspect of life that needs attention. When we have been rightly redirected, then we can give the appropriate consideration, acknowledging how we feel and yet approaching the feelings with equanimity.

Meditating keeps me centered and focused on what is truly important in my life -- my family and friends, my health, my ability to pay for things I need (and want), and my ability to love and be loved.