Today, I want to share a #payyourhealthfirst tip that I started incorporating into my morning routine about a year and a half ago: meditation.
Immediately after I wake up, and after doing some light Yoga, I sit cross-legged and try my best to practice this. The truth is that for a long time, I really didn't know what I was doing -- but I got motivated to do it after many failed attempts. I also read 10% Happier by Dan Harris which brought a bit more clarity to the entire process of being more present and aware, while also realizing that meditation is not a "mysterious" place you need to go to in order for you to know that you are (in fact) meditating. Meditation is simply (at least for me) the act of being aware of your inner self and trying (to the best of your ability) to just sit there and 'be'. Trying your best to not pay attention to the thousands of thoughts that will start to bombard your mind. By practicing this "muscle" you become more resilient to the "thought-attacks" and eventually you do become calmer and better able to cope with whatever your thoughts bring.
I recall having a very similar conversation with a lady in Provincetown, MA while visiting the Cape. She is the owner of a small shop by the Pier called Himalayan Handicrafts. And there, while browsing around, I found some Tibetan Chimes or what some refer to as cymbals. The owner took the time to explain all the symbols that were engraved in the chimes and even gifted me a small cloth bag to keep the chimes in. Very nice karma!
Now ... if you've ever heard these chimes you know they automatically put you in a state of trance -- as the chime echoes nicely throughout the room and fades away leaving you focused on the moment. It is hard to start a meditation with these chimes while holding them and trying to concentrate on the sound. So I was very fortunate to have found a great app: Insight Timer which makes it so easy to choose your preferred start and end chimes while also keeping track your time.
So, today a special shout out to @InsightTimer for allowing me the time and space to #payyourhealthfirst
#pyhf,
-- Chris
