Sticking to Your Daily Meditation Routine
Although the benefits of meditation are clear and well-researched, it can be hard to stick to a routine. Resistance shows up in various ways, making it hard to follow through with set goals.
The excuse of “I don’t have the time” is common when people think of meditating. The reason for this is that there’s a common misconception of what meditation is supposed to look like
It’s a good idea to switch up your meditation practice. Some days you may try focused attention meditation, other days you may try visualisation. If one practice doesn’t resonate with you, don’t be afraid to try a new form.
Sometimes lack of motivation causes people to either not establish a routine or drop it. However, you’ll find that your greatest motivation resides in you. In this case, discipline plays a major role.
Many people dive into meditation practices with high expectations. A common expectation is seeing immediate results. When such expectations are not met, there’s the tendency to drop or forget the practice.
Group meditations are a great way to stay motivated and accountable. You can have accountability partners to help you stay dedicated to your practice.
● Chanting or mantra meditation
● Mindfulness meditation
● Focused meditation
● Visualisation
● Movement meditation
Never force yourself to adopt another person’s routine. If you do this, you’ll most likely give up on your practice or feel frustrated. Get comfortable with setting a time that works perfectly for you. The great thing about meditation is that you can practice it at any time and anywhere
If you struggle with meditating on your own or whenever you’re not meditating in groups, an application can be helpful. Using an application can help you hold yourself accountable. It also serves as motivation especially when you maintain streaks.
If you struggle with sticking to your meditation routine, pair it with a habit. For instance, you can make a note to always meditate 15 minutes before your workout routine or taking a shower.
Pay attention to the changes you experience due to your meditation practice. Whether that’s a shift in your thought patterns or physical changes, always pay attention. Checking in with yourself helps you see the benefits you enjoy from daily meditation.