THE SENSITIVITY TRAIT - MEDITATION

We all hear the benefits of meditation - how it calms the "monkey mind" and aids us in clearer and less reactive thinking. We hear how it calms the physical body as well, and gives us a fresh start to our day. It helps us sleep better, stay centered in ourselves and our truth. 

Even agencies like the National Institute of Health are looking into meditation and it's benefits, and noting what science is discovering about the benefits of a practice.  

If we consider Webster, it defines meditating as:

1. : to engage in contemplation or reflection
2. : to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness

The Buddhists say "meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Buddhist meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things." That includes not only silent meditation, but they also have a walking meditation, as well as other cultures using this method "practiced between long periods of the sitting meditation [known as zazen, also known as kinhin (Chinese: 経行; pinyin: jīngxíng; Japanese pronunciation: kinhin, kyōgyō; Korean: gyeonghyaeng; Vietnamese: kinh hành)]. 

It doesn't really matter how others define meditation. As an Empath and Highly Sensitive, a regular practice of meditation can have even deeper benefits because we are so very sensitive. So it's important that we develop a practice. I think it's important that we don't put ourselves into a box in our thinking when it comes to how to meditate. We need to define a practice that truly supports us and works for us. It doesn't mean we have to sit in a corner and chant "ommmm" for a certain amount of time.

It does mean that we need to have regular practices that help us clear our mind, reduce our stress, and have an inward focus. 

Here are some "out-of-the-box" ideas to help you: 

• The Chinese believe you can replenish your Qi, life-force, by sitting under a tree. Find a tree that feels good to you and sit under it comfortably. Close your eyes and breathe into your belly slowly and clear your mind. 
• Do a personal energy clearing as defined by Jean Haner. I have found this type of energy work to be amazingly simple and effective. When I clear, as an Empath, I am able to identify the energy of another separate from mine. I am able to sit with it, hold a loving space for it, and allow it to rebalance. When I clear myself, I feel calmer. When I clear another, I also feel calmer and more connected to that person. It's an amazing resource for Empaths and Highly Sensitives, since we often struggle with what is ours and what is someone else's.
• Eat in a meditative way. Prepare a very healthy meal in your kitchen. Sit outside in the sun for 15 minutes and eat in nature while experiencing the taste, texture, and smell of the food. Find that "ahhhh" feeling as you eat. This is a great way to let go of stress, and nourish yourself mentally and physically. Throw in a few affirmations (ask me for a free guide on how to develop your own powerful affirmations) too. And by sitting in the sun for 15 minutes, you have taken in Vitamin D+ which is vital to your health as well.
• Take a walk on the wild side! Even if it's a walk in the park along a quiet path where you can see the lady bugs, watch the bees, or smell the wild flowers, it can be a great way to calm you mind and relieve stress. 
• Cultivating and balancing your Qi, the life-force and main idea of Chinese medicine, is called qigong. So take a qigong class, or practice qigong through YouTube or on your own (I'm not endorsing this group - just posting an example of what you can find). 
• Piddle around the house doing fun and light chores. For me, when I can manage a day of piddling without my husband or children in the home, I am in heaven! As an Emotional and Physical Empath, I love the separateness from others where I can just be in my own energy with nothing to do, no place to go and not having to be "on."  
• Take a mineral bath. I use dead sea minerals as my genetic profile is sensitive to sulfur, so doing straight Epson salt baths doesn't work for me. Light a candle, put on music or sit in the quiet and enjoy yourself. The physical support of the minerals can assist in healing any pain or physical discomfort you have, and this will also help to clear your mind.

I hope this gives you some useful and different ideas on how to meditate. As Empaths and Highly Sensitives, we really need to forge our own trail and find ways that work for us. An estimated 20% of the population according to Dr. Elaine Aaron's research, the mainstream ways of living don't often serve us well.

So how do you define meditation for you?

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