Meditation helps me. It’s as simple as that.
I was slow to consider the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. It was suggested by my psychotherapist as a possible support years ago. But I am a scientist and baulked against what I perceived as touchy-feely mumbo-jumbo. I was very wrong.
I’ve noted before that bipolar disorder affects all aspects of my life. Accepting this is difficult but even more arduous is grasping the effect it has on me spiritually. I am only getting a sense of this element recently. I realise that I can be fully well only when I attend to spiritual healing with the same intensity I heal the body and mind.
Mindfulness is receiving a great deal of attention in the media these days. It’s trendy and it is good to publicise it. Everybody who is prepared to set aside the time to meditate can reap the rewards. However, I believe, even greater rewards await those with mental illness.
Mediation and mindfulness are inextricably linked. The practice of one leads naturally to the other. I use a mindfulness app on my phone, “Headspace”. It is free to trial and subsequently one can subscribe for a month, a year, two years or for life. For a relatively small price, I am guided through meditation whilst sitting in the comfort of my own home, just listening to my phone. It couldn’t be easier.
When I meditate, I’m advised to focus on my breathing, take note of the physical sensations in my body and acknowledge my thoughts as they come and go. There is no room for judgment or criticism, just awareness of what is going on. Sometimes I connect with darker, unpleasant thoughts and feelings but I do not have to engage with them. I just realise that they are present and carry on.
Meditation is very relaxing. When you make a habit of it, you develop the ability to let all the stress and strain go free. The mind gets to soften and unwind. It is very refreshing and some of that renewed energy follows you for the rest of the day.
With practice, it is possible for me to be more mindful during my day. To be more present in my activities and by pausing and checking-in with myself, I have a greater understanding of what is happening for me in that moment. Then I can decide what to do to support myself. I can decide what I need.
Happily, most of the time, I feel good and the answer is nothing. But if there is a change of mood brewing, or if I am struggling for some reason, awareness of my inner thoughts and feelings often reliably indicate my next course of action.
My greatest stumbling block is frequent repetition. It is suggested that you meditate daily and at times I do. There are other times I forget and, more often, times when I’m not in the mood. Ironically, when I’m not in the mood, but push myself to meditate, are the times I get the most relief. I think it’s similar to exercise. When you don’t feel like getting out and energy levels are low is when you, sometimes, get the greatest sense of achievement. Well, meditation is a bit like that.
It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but maybe you should give it a go.
