Enter: meditation - your new secret weapon for peace, clarity, and not losing your cool every five minutes.

I know, I know. You’ve heard about meditation a million times. But maybe every time you’ve tried it, you’ve felt like you were doing it wrong because your brain wouldn’t shut up. Spoiler alert: that’s normal. Meditation isn’t about becoming a monk overnight. It’s about showing up for yourself - messy thoughts and all - and giving your mind the space to breathe.  So let’s break down the basics of meditation in a way that’s not intimidating!

• Step 1: Find Your Zen Den (aka a Quiet Corner)

Listen, you don’t need a Himalayan salt lamp and a $200 meditation cushion to get started. What you DO need is a spot where you won’t be interrupted by dogs barking, roommates shouting, or your dryer going rogue.  When you close your eyes, your other senses turn up - so sound becomes even more intense. That’s why beginners should find the quietest space possible. Shut the door. Silence your phone. Tell your people (nicely) to zip it for ten minutes.  You deserve some uninterrupted peace.

• Step 2: Sit Like a Queen (or King or Deity of Choice)

Look, you don’t have to twist yourself into a pretzel to meditate. That said, try not to lie down unless you want to wake up 30 minutes later wondering where you are.  The goal is to relax, not nap. So sit in a way that feels good but keeps you alert. A comfy chair? Great. The classic lotus position on the floor? Also great. Just keep your spine tall, your hands resting gently on your lap or knees, and your body open.  Posture matters - your energy flows better when you’re not hunched like a gremlin.

• Step 3: Breathe Like You Mean It

Here’s where the magic starts. Your breath is your anchor - it keeps you present, calm, and centered.

Try this: breathe in through your nose slowly for 4 counts. Hold for 2. Exhale gently through your mouth for 6 counts. Repeat.  Feel your shoulders drop. Feel your jaw unclench. Feel your thoughts start to soften.

This is the rhythm that helps your mind settle. And the best part? You can do it anywhere - before a stressful meeting, in the car (not while driving, please), or when your mother-in-law starts giving unsolicited advice.

• Step 4: Watch Your Thoughts Like Netflix (Without Getting Sucked In)

Here’s where most people tap out. You’re breathing, sitting quietly, and then BOOM: your mind starts spiraling. "Did I feed the cat? What if I never achieve anything? Why did Jessica not text back?!"  Yep. Totally normal. Your brain is doing what it’s wired to do - think. Your job isn’t to stop it. It’s to observe it.  Think of your thoughts like clouds floating by. Or like pop-up ads - you notice them, but you don’t click.  Let the thoughts come. Then gently let them go. Don’t judge yourself. Don’t chase the thought. Just return to your breath.  Eventually, the mental noise quiets. You’ll find yourself in a blank space - a calm, still place within you that’s pure magic. That space? That’s where the insight lives. That’s where healing begins. That’s where your power sits, waiting for you to tap in.

Real Talk: Meditation Isn’t a One-and-Done

If you try this once and your mind is bouncing off the walls? Congrats. You’re human.

Meditation is like going to the gym - but for your brain. You’re not gonna get six-pack abs from one workout. Same goes here. Keep showing up. Even if it’s messy. Even if you feel like you “suck” at it.  Because every time you sit, breathe, and witness your thoughts instead of drowning in them? You’re rewiring your mind. You’re reclaiming your peace. You’re becoming that version of yourself—the calm, grounded, radiant you.

Bonus Tips to Slay Your Meditation Practice

• Start with 5-10 minutes a day. You don’t need an hour. Consistency beats intensity.
• Use guided meditations. Apps like Insight Timer, Headspace, or YouTube are full of free gems.
• Journal after. Write down what came up. You’ll be surprised what your soul whispers when you’re quiet.
• Be patient. You’re unlearning a lifetime of overstimulation. Give yourself grace.

Final Thoughts: Your Mind Deserves This

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be “good” at meditation. You just need to show up - with intention, curiosity, and compassion for yourself.  In a world constantly demanding your attention, meditation is your way of saying, "I matter. My peace matters. My inner world matters."  So go ahead - light a candle, throw on some lo-fi beats, sit your beautiful self down, and breathe.  Your mind (and your future self) will thank you.

P.S. Want to share your thoughts on meditation? Don't be shy! Share in the comments below, or comment on my social media at: https://www.facebook.com/AMusingMystic or https://www.instagram.com/amusingmystic/

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