What is Meditating Exactly?
Written by A. Simon - September 2019
Copyright - Minnesota Kid’s Yoga Co. LLC
IN our modern world, meditation can look very different…
Today, people are constantly seeking new ways to feel happy, more fulfilled, and less stressed. Many have found meditation apps such as “Calm” or “Insight Timer.” Others use soothing music to decompress and slow down. Many have purchased diffusers and essential oil jewelry to create a more mindful surrounding. In short, meditation is all over!
Meditation has traditionally looked different to the eyes of the beholder. Various cultures and religions used meditation in unique ways — whether is was through chanting mantras, fasting certain foods, or praying to a directional sun/moon. In today’s world, many still practice those beliefs, however, many do not!
A recent article titled, “The Simple Truth to Modern Meditation” writer Jeff Cannnon states that meditation in the 21st century includes:
“A highly individualized practice that meets the needs of those practicing it. This can include 3x3 Meditation, Goldie Hawn's MindUP, The Simple Truth Method, and even The Path. The result is a series of contemporary practices that are refined to meet the challenges of the 21st century world we all live in. Not only are they attracting new participants, they are showing results. In the MindUP program, 78 percent of respondents said, "it made them happier," 82 percent said, "it gave them feel a more positive outlook."“
He goes on to explain that Modern Meditation is not reinventing meditation but instead refining the way it is practiced to fit today's world. Modern meditation utilizes our digital world. Over that past 3,000-years, sitting, breathing, and letting go, worked well. However now, simply sitting is not always the most effective way to deliver meditation to modern people.
So… with that said… how can we help our children meditate? One effective way is through visualization! Letting kids turn off their mind clutter through stories that are happy and peaceful is such a wonderful way to get them calm!
Read my “10 Visualization Stories” here for a few helpful examples on what to say!
Some people (parents in particular) still don’t like the idea of “meditating” as it can make them feel as though they are still following a religion of sorts. I challenge that thought! Meditating is merely slowing down, taking deep breaths, thinking about things that make us happy, and focusing on how to be less stressed. Meditation is a fancy word for turning off electronics and taking in the wonderful sounds, smells, and emotions nature brings us naturally!
Lastly, if you are a book connoisseur like myself, pick up the children’s picture book “Meditate with Me” by Mariam Gates. She is a well known kids yoga book author, and she once again does a wonderful job on creating fun through a simple storybook! Get meditating!