Why I Meditate

March 6, 2013 by 16 Comments

From time to time, I have mentioned here and on Twitter that I meditate, and I’ve noticed that whenever I do I receive lots of inquiries about why I do it? Do I see any real benefits? Or, comments indicating that others would like to do it but don’t have the time, or have tried and failed.

Meditation

For me, meditation gives me a chance to connect with myself before the demands of the day take hold. When I meditate I’m calmer, more grounded, and as a result, more present in the moment.

Notice I said when I meditate – I’ve fallen off the mediation bandwagon on a couple of occasions, usually because I’ve gotten caught up in the whirlwind of schedules and have made the decision that “I don’t have time” or “I’ll do it later” only to never get to it. And, little by little, my meditation “practice” is more of a random occurrence and then before you know it I’m staring at the back of the meditation bandwagon as it pulls further and further away from me.

I recommitted to meditating at the beginning of December – thinking it was good timing with the holidays approaching, and for the most part I’ve been fairly consistent. I’m motivated to stay with it because I like how I feel and how I deal with things when I do. Now am I going to tell you I’m all roses and sunshine and the picture of zen? Nope – it is a work in progress, but I like the direction I’m headed.

I got an email the other day from the Chopra Center announcing another of their 21-day Meditation Challenges. The theme this time is “Perfect Health.” I’ve found these challenges to be a great launching point for starting a practice and encourage anyone who’s interested in giving meditation a try, to check this out – it starts on Monday, March 11th. (For the record I’m in no way affiliated with the Chopra Center – just a fan sharing the love 🙂 )

Do you meditate?

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Filed Under: Chopra Center, meditation

November Rewind

November 30, 2012 by 7 Comments
Good things for the month:
  • PR’d the Chilly Half Marathon – I went 3 for 3 in PRs for my races this fall and I couldn’t be happier! 
  • I’m working with a chiropractor and after just a handful of sessions my ITB is noticeably improved.
  • Started the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge which has definitely helped keep my motivation level up post-race. 
  • Enjoying just running how far I want, when I want — everyone needs time off from a training plan
Things I could do without:
  • Raynaud’s Disease– with the drop in temperatures in the last couple of weeks, the annual battle with Raynaud’s begins. Hand warmers and mittens become constant running companions now until Spring.

What’s up for December:

  • I’m running with my brother in his first 5K – cannot wait!
  • The Holiday Challenge has highlighted for me that I really need to do a better job getting enough fruits & veggies on a daily basis, so I’m going to focus on better meal planning.
  • Meditation – I was trying to follow the Chopra Center’s latest 21-day challenge last month, but I didn’t make it a priority and I missed a bunch of days. So I downloaded the Challenge and will start again on December 1, seems like a good way to go into the holiday season, don’t ya think?
  • Finish the year healthy and strong — continue the yoga classes, chiro visits and strength training. I would have loved to hit 1,000 miles for this year but with 137 miles left to go I’m not sure I’ll make it. Right now I think it is doing my body a lot of good to have back off the mileage so I don’t want to jeopardize that for a random goal.
 How’s your year wrapping up? Any goals you’re still working towards?

 

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Filed Under: Chilly Half, chiropractor, Chopra Center, Holiday Bootie Buster, meditation, month in review, Raynauds

Thursday thoughts – School vacation, workouts & meditation

February 23, 2012 by 5 Comments

It’s vacation week here in Massachusetts so this week is all about creativity…. being creative with keeping the kids occupied so they don’t live on all sorts of various digital devices 24/7… and being creative with getting my workouts in.

We’ve been bowling, played all sorts of games, read books, watched movies, enjoyed this crazy mild weather and yesterday J took them for a day of skiing and snowboarding! And yes there has been some video-gaming time logged.

My little guy taking on the slopes!
My oldest’s 1st time snowboarding!

I’ve managed to get in some strength-training, speedwork at the track and a pilates class so far! I hope to sneak a short run in tomorrow before J leaves for work and then my usual long run Saturday. My mileage will definitely be down for this week but I’m okay with that.

And, once again I’ve signed up for another of the Chopra Center’s 21-day Meditation Challenges. I’ve mentioned before how much more centered and calm I feel when I meditate. So why have I stopped? Because schedules get crazy so I let it slide a day or two and then bam! Fell off the wagon again. The timing of this challenge was perfect as it started on Monday – perhaps Deepak knew I was facing vacation week 🙂 I’m on day 4 and hope to stay on the wagon well beyond day 21!

So far so good this week – we’ve avoided major meltdowns, my boys are enjoying each other’s company and my sanity’s still in tact – a win all around!

How’s your week going?

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Filed Under: 3 things, Chopra Center, kids, meditation, school vacation

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

April 21, 2011 by 7 Comments
  • So far the shift to early morning workouts is working. The alarm’s been going off at 5:20 and I’m usually moving 15 mins later. Despite not being what I would ever consider a morning person, I’ve been reminded this week of how much I enjoy starting my day with a run. It’s like a morning meditation in motion.
  • Speaking of meditation, I signed for another 21-day Meditation Challenge sponsored by the Chopra Center. I did a similar challenge during the winter and stuck with meditating for weeks afterwards. But of late I’ve let it slip so this challenge came at a good time. I find I’m definitely more focused and even-keeled when I’m meditating.
  •  My love affair with my Saucony Mirage continues – I’ve been doing all of my short runs in them while using my Brooks for the long runs. I’ve got another 10 on the plan for tomorrow and I’m tempted to try the Sauconys instead. My calves are really tight after yesterday’s tempo run so I’ll have to see how I feel in the morning.

Do you rotate shoes or stick to a one pair at a time?

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Filed Under: 3 things, Brooks Adrenaline, Chopra Center, meditation, Saucony

January rewind

February 1, 2011 by 2 Comments
Good things this month:
  • Logged 56 relatively pain-free miles – ice and foam roller helped to keep the ITB in check.
  • Did not miss one scheduled run despite weekly snow storms of biblical proportion (ok slight exaggeration… or not if you listen to our local weatherman!)
  • Added TRX to my weekly routine and I’m loving it! It kicks my arse in a good way.
  • Finally took on hill work, and on the treadmill no less!
  • Added yoga to my training….ok on the last day of the month, but technically I did add it
  • Completed the first week of the Chopra Center’s 21-day Meditation Challenge. I’m not zen yet, but I’m working on it.
  • 63 of you now following my madness…er…journey — I appreciate the support!
Things I could do without:
  • Treadmill as my new BFF….I need to start keeping better company. I miss the road. I will take the bitter cold temps if Mother Nature will just give the snow show a rest!
  • Shoveling as a form of cross-training…ok I’m done whining.
  • hmmm…that’s it…short list!
On the decks for February:
  • More…more TRX, more yoga and more miles…more ice.
  • Want to do a better job paying attention to what I’m eating – I don’t eat a lot of junk, but I could fuel and hydrate better, especially as I hope to increase my miles.
  • Hyannis 10k

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    Filed Under: Chopra Center, Hyannis 10k, meditation, month in review, treadmill run, TRX, weather

    Putting myself on the list

    January 26, 2011 by 6 Comments

    I am a notorious list maker and there are times when I feel like I’ve been hijacked by my to do list. Today was definitely starting to look like one of those days. Juggling the usual family routine and a long list of “must do’s” – including Kindergarten registration for my little guy – meant my usual morning run was not going to happen. That’s ok I kept telling myself I’ll fit it in later.

    As the day wore on, I was cranking along and checking things off…but I still hadn’t fit a run in yet. Then as I was checking email I spotted my reminder for the 21-day Meditation Challenge from the Chopra Center. I’ve meditated on and off over the past few years, and when I do it regularly, I find I’m calmer, more patient – plugged in. I had signed up for the 21-day challenge to get back to the practice. So I opened that email and  followed the guided meditation – it only took about 10 minutes. But when I  finished, a simple thought crossed my mind – put yourself on the list! Whether it’s going for a run or just pausing to breathe deeply, it’s important to take that time just for me.

    So it took until after homework was done and the kids had dinner, but I did get my run in. An easy 4 miles on the ‘mill and much needed me-time….check!

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    Filed Under: Chopra Center, me time, meditation, to do list, treadmill run