Does any of this sound familiar?
Modern life feels so intense and full-on, doesn’t it? We live in a 24/7 world that doesn’t ever seem to switch off. No wonder so many of us feel wired and exhausted.
Ever felt like you’re on the non-stop express train of relentless to-dos, fuelled by caffeine and sugar, with sleep a distant memory? You’re not alone.
During a quarter-century career in the “City” in London, first in the old banking district, and later in Canary Wharf, I lived a full-throttle lifestyle – working long, intense hours, having a brilliantly busy social life going out for meals with friends and family, going to the theatre (I adore plays and musicals), and even fitting in opera and orchestral performances when I felt the need for a return to the classics! Holidays were usually active: skiing in the winter, and travelling around to visit historical ruins and places, with the occasional beach faceplant to rest…
What helped me continue to thrive in amidst the chaos was my secret skill – meditation. It wasn’t something I talked about much, and it was something I practised regularly. I noticed how much better life went when I practised regularly versus the times when I didn’t.
What I noticed when I practised regularly, was that I had more:
- Clarity – I had more focus and less noise in my brain
- Patience (this one was a biggie for me!)
- Creativity – finding my quiet space within unlocked greater access to ideas for me
- Happiness – finding inner tranquillity helped me find my centre
- Ease – feeling less wired as I learnt the techniques to calm down my nervous system
Over time, meditation became a no-brainer, as it was the difference between able to absorb and address everything on my plate, rather than pushing through and finding it harder going.
My practice evolved over time, and still changes from season to season, and week to week, depending on time, energy and quite frankly, what else I have going on. You don’t have to go on a retreat and become a hermit living on top of the highest summits to meditate; it is absolutely possible to incorporate meditation into your daily working life. I’d like to share 5 things that I’ve learnt that helped me to develop a daily meditation practice:
- Find a creative place to sneak in practice
- 5 minutes is enough to do the trick!
- Be compassionate with yourself and have a back-up plan
- Stay curious. Adjust & adapt
- Set an intention – make it a goal you reward yourself for
I’ll be posting more on these 5 topics so follow me to read more as I post!
