Cultivating Space

The idea of meditation is to create space. Whatever goes around the world will happen at its own accord with or out without your worries and attention toward it. Simply acknowledging things and situations for what they are, watching them, allows you to better understand the true nature of events and respond accordingly.

Meditation practices help cultivate that space around you, and you to be able to focus on yourself. This space provides a buffer between any situation and your response towards it. By default, our behavior is heavily driven by our emotions. And when one becomes aware of their emotional behaviors, they can make better judgments, one that is not driven by emotion.

Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash

Few practices to help cultivate this space-

1. Meditate, Meditate, Meditate — It is one of those things, so simple yet so difficult. A lot of you out there probably think that meditation is not for you, or oh I have tried but I can never get to quiet my mind, or oh it does not work for me, or oh I can barely keep my eyes closed for 5 minutes.
   Being someone who has been exactly where you are, believe me when I say I feel you. However, you have to take that one small step. And trust me, today is simply a great day to start! Dedicate a fixed time of your day to practice meditation. Mornings are ideal but don’t worry about it just yet, set a time that works for you and be reasonable. Look at your week and determine which time of the day best suits your schedule and make it a point to show up each day. One of the things that have personally helped me is dedicating a spot for my daily mediation practice. Every morning, like a ritual, I show up on my meditation mat. This wires your brain over time and just showing up becomes a part of your routine.
   Once you have decided where and when you want to meditate, you are psychologically prepared for meditation. Now when you are at your spot, you simply close your eyes and become aware of your breath.
   There are various kinds of meditation practices out there and you will stumble upon one that just works right for you. You may want to start with some kind of guided mediation, or some kind of chanting, or simply watching your breath and body. Whatever you chose to do, make sure you commit to the practice, each day, every day! Time is not of importance when you start practicing, start with 5 minutes and you will work your way up over time. Remember, consistency is the key.
2. Physical Exercise — Now that you have an idea about mediation, it’s time we focus on our physical body. Being physically active has numerous benefits we all know of. I practice yoga and I have found it very beneficial and meditative. I learn more about my body and it is amazing to see what it is capable of. Whatever it is that you like to do, again, commit yourself to do it at least 5 times a week. It does not have to be an intensive workout. Go for a run, work out for 30 minutes, anything that suits you. Just keep yourself physically active.
3. Eat clean — There is a saying along the lines- your body becomes what you feed it and your mind becomes the thoughts you think. Fueling your body with energy-rich foods will have a tremendous impact on the course of your day. One tip I live by, always leave your stomach 1/4th empty. Don’t eat that last chapati. You will feel energized and not dull and lethargic after your meals. Eat food that makes your body and mind happy. Include more fruits and greens in your diet. Your body will love you back and you will begin to understand its needs.
4. Declutter — Decluttering your surroundings and keeping your place neat and tidy will allow your mind to feel clear. Cleaning is also a very meditative act. Monks in Buddhist monasteries clean every single day, they don’t wait for the place to feel dirty before they clean. they simply clean every day as a part of their daily routine. When your surrounding is clean and decluttered, your mind feels the same way. You will feel more space around you and within you.
5. Do Nothing — I know what you’re thinking. Now what does it mean to do nothing, how can I do nothing? Well, unplug yourself from your day-to-day routine, and simply do nothing from time to time. Give yourself a break, as we call it. Taking a break does not mean indulge in any form of distraction. I mean really take a break. Just sit there, looking out of the window, and allow your mind to wander. Great ideas are birthed in such moments of doing nothing. Relax and enjoy every bit of your journey on this planet!