3 Radically Different Meditation Techniques to Start Practicing Today.

The number one complaint of traditional meditation is how boring it is. Truthfully, traditional sit and think of nothing meditation is boring and doesn’t work for everyone.

When you are trying to sort through an endless to-do list, life in general, and every social media notification EVER, meditation goes on the back burner to be entirely forgotten.

The problem with that is we all know we need meditation. We know it’s important. We know that we would feel better if we just did it and got it over with.

I’m here to tell you to forgive yourself. Do it. I’ll wait.

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Okay, now, forgive yourself for not getting to everything. You are one human with a lot going on.

To overcome my resistance to the absolutely essential practice of meditation, I went in search of new techniques.

I craved a simple, effective, and powerful practice that could be juggled into the list of laundry and checking the mail.

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Emotional Freedom Tapping

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What is that?

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a self-help technique that involves tapping near the endpoints of “energy meridians” located around the body. Mostly on the face and torso.

In a therapeutic sense, EFT is used to reduce tension, promote a deeper mind-body connection, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression or stress.

EFT or Emotional Freedom Tapping is absolutely my most favorite meditative techniques. By tapping on various points on your face and torso, you free yourself from holding onto things that no longer serve you.

In the past year, I have made leaps and bounds of personal and professional progress just by believing in myself.

By believing and stating to the Universe, “I deserve an abundant life and I am seeking it every day.” You begin turning your narrative and your story from one of despair to one of hope and triumphant.

It sounds too simple, yes?

I’m awful at managing my time. I can’t get my motivation up. Why am I so lazy? Why do I feel this? I just want to be happy.

All the phrases that rattle around in your head too often. Sometimes quietly and other times those phrases drown out everything.

Each one of those is a shackle. Keeping you tethered in a safe comfort zone. Getting rid of those shackles and striding down the path of healing and recovery is the most important gift you can give yourself.

Every day you must battle. You must put on the armor, pick up that sword, and stand ready. Every day you must believe and restate and reframe. And like any change or exercise, it gets easier with time and you get better at doing it every time.

First up, the Armor of Affirmations

Get clear on your affirmations and narrative. What gets played in your head? How can you reframe it? Tell yourself its okay to not get it perfect.

Ex: ” I hate grocery shopping and I hate the crowds.”

Tap with this phrase in mind instead.

” Even though grocery shopping makes me incredibly anxious, I am delighted to pick out nutritious food for my body. Even though there are lots of others around my personal space is safe and protected.”

Always be incredibly specific with your affirmations on this.

Spoiler alert: No one gets it perfect.

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EFT Tapping Points

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Tap at a comfortable pace on these points and repeat your affirmations and narrative aloud. Repeat it until you feel calmer about what you are concentrating on. You may feel anxious or unfocused at first. Repeat these for at least 5 minutes.

No, you don’t look stupid and no, you don’t sound stupid. Remember the more you practice the better you get.

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Walking/Moving Meditation

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Imagine yourself being told to sit still and be quiet. Sigh fine. Then empty your thoughts and only focus on your breath. Okay…Suddenly your head itches, how do I prep dinner again and a rerun of How I Met Your Mother starts flashing before your eyes. ADD Brain 1 ; Meditation Practice 0

Let me offer you a radically different view of meditation.

Put on your best music. Anything that’s going to make you dance, groove, or headbang to. All that movement? It’s going to require you to breathe. Even better? You should be entirely focused on your arms and legs flailing about that it doesn’t matter if Ted pulled another Mosbey.

By the end of at least 3 songs, you are going to be well grounded and your mind will be cleared out. Now it’s time to go tackle the next thing in your day.

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Guided Visualization Meditation

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Being physically tired or unable to get a moving meditation can be a real drag but it does not mean you are off the hook on your meditation practice.

Practicing a guided meditation and a gentle step away from the traditional “think of nothing” practice that we encounter.

One of my favorite sources of guided meditations is the Insight Timer App available for both the Apple App store and Google Play. https://insighttimer.com/

When you aren’t feeling your best you can end up limiting yourself when you try to imagine or visualize a different dream. Sometimes the inspiration or thoughts don’t flow well.

A guided meditation will allow you to do the meditative work without having to think of the next step.

Picking a guided meditation will help you push past any creative blocks and allow you to bring in love, healing, and abundance in ways you may not have thought of.

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Traditional meditation works really well for a lot of people and it’s definitely worth a shot occasionally.

But there are so many different techniques of achieving a sense of clarity and grounding that you shouldn’t feel stuck in one way that only kinda works for you.

Give any one of the three techniques I listed above a shot and see how radically different your life can be.

Mine already is.