So you don’t have enough money for one of those perfect, green, Japanese meditation gardens. That’s okay. The important thing is to have a space that’s designated specifically for your personal spirituality. Maybe you don’t pray–that’s alright, too. I’m a Taoist, and my spirituality focuses on being more aware of my surroundings, more in tune with nature and my fellow man, and centering myself to make the best use of my own energy and the Chi around me. To do that…well…I can’t be a big stress ball inside. That means it’s necessary for me to have a space in my home in which I can focus on the positive, quiet my soul, concentrate on what’s most important, and most importantly, not be interrupted by outside distractions.
Perhaps this means you designate a small corner of your bedroom, armed with some incense and a comfortable cushion. Maybe you would be better served having a space in your back yard, at least during the warmer months of the year. For many of us, especially busy parents, the best meditation we ever get is in the bathroom. It’s the only room in which we can demand people leave us alone.
Whatever your religion, beliefs, or ideals, make that space for yourself, and I mean that spacially and clock-wise. Pick a time, even if it’s only once a week, to just focus on you and stopping the endless chatter in your head. I find it helps immensely to have a certain place in your home to do this, away from the clutter, the business of the family, bill paying, chores, and demanding little ones. Make the time and the space for yourself. In the end, you will be a better parent, friend, lover, and worker for having been that selfish.
^_^ I totally agree; I’m so much better off with meditation. It’s harder in the winter (less time in the morning ’cause snow and traffic take more time). But I always feel at peace afterwards. So, it’s kind of lame that I’m not doing it more, but I’m trying to be better about that. I definitely notice the difference when I’ve got a crazy life and stop to meditate!
~Erin~
Time is always against us, but the older I get the more I realize that we can make time for the things that matter to us. There are always ways to juggle our priorities and become more organized. It’s just hard to find the time to get to that point, and it’s really easy to become overwhelmed.
Even that 10 mintues a day of meditation can make such a huge difference, and I find it’s almost better to do it toward the end of the day–especially for members of families. Then you can help rid your mind of some of the stresses of the day without transferring them to loved ones.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!