Looks matter
For a long while, meditation has been the domain of very masculine energy, full of musts, should’s, do’s and dont’s, for example:
You should rise at dawn
You must repeat this mantra
You must follow this script
Dont eat or drink beforehand
You must sit a certain way
I could just keep going, but I think you probably get my drift.
All these rules leave no room for my people:
The tired mums
The peri-menopausal ones
The post menopause mums
The shift work ones
Single mums
Mum’s with kids on L’s
Mum’s of teenagers
Most mummas I know are spread thin between children, work, cooking, tiredness, and general exhaustion. The pull of the modern world is not in your imagination.
Suppose you want to start or continue meditation but with all the responsibilities of life and all the rules you feel dejected before you even start. Most women I know want a meditation practice, they know its going to be good for them. But where to start with all the conflicting information out there.
Well, I feel in my bones and heart that the more we make a meditation practice attractive to us, the better our chances of actually sitting and giving ourselves that time and space.
Looks matter
Over the years, I’ve gone from many of the above rules (except sunrise, I drew the line there) to a much more nourishing and enjoyable meditation practice. Its become a place where I really enjoy myself, it fills me up and I walk away feeling that I’ve truly been to my heart home.
Here’s a few sensory suggestions for a beautiful meditation experience:
Comfort - blankets, throws, pashminas, softness & gentleness.
Scent - find some incense or a candle that you love. Spritz some of your perfume on before you sit or beautiful body oil. Just a little.
Brew some tea and enjoy a sip before and after, a little opening and closing ritual.
Sound - beautiful tunes support me dropping in and drown out the dog, kids, blowers.
Wear something that feels soft, unencumbered, easy and that you 100% great in. Your body relaxes in comfortable clothing, don’t you agree?
Technique - sit with your self & your breath, or sit in front of the mirror and really get acquainted with the woman you are now and the woman you are becoming. Or sit with a poem or a prayer that you love, read it to yourself quietly or aloud and let it become part of you, memorise a line so you can begin to embody it.
Decor - give yourself some flowers, perhaps a photo of someone or a place you love. You might have a favourite notebook or a special statue. Make it beautiful for yourself.
Just this week at my local mall I met a Japanese lady, we got to talking about clothes as she fixed my sunglasses (that I accidentally sat on) and she told me that her mum wouldn’t ever let her brother go out unless he was wearing a suit because you don’t know the luck you attract when you dress beautifully. I love that, prepare for the life you want or in this case the experience you want.
You will have much more enjoyment from a meditation practice that you love, that calls to you because it is so delightful and nourishing.
Why not try it?
