Approaching Meditation

When I first heard about meditation, I felt really confused. Whenever someone tried to explain it to me, I would attempt it, then feel frustrated with myself for not living up to their “advanced” standards. I mean, who really wants to wake up at 5 a.m., sit for an hour, hum, and stare into blank silence? At the time, I thought going back to sleep was far more efficient and I wasn’t entirely wrong. But here’s the thing:

Our first steps into meditation need to meet us exactly where we are. It’s perfectly okay to start small and do what feels best for you. There’s no “standard” you have to reach, no mastery to achieve, no goal beyond simply being present with yourself. Meditation is about slowing down, relaxing, and creating space to connect and heal. Over time, it does get easier. You may eventually find yourself meditating for longer periods even outside at 5 a.m. in the rain...but that isn’t the goal. The goal is simply to start, even if it’s just for 30 seconds.

You might be wondering: why meditate at all? Does it really make a difference? The answer is a resounding yes. Consistent meditation can create new neural pathways in the brain, helping to heal both emotional and physical trauma, and gradually reshape your way of thinking and being. People have turned to meditation to help heal mental health struggles or cognitive challenges, and over time, it has been remarkably effective. With regular practice, it can ease anxiety, improve focus, and support deep emotional and mental healing. Even without modern scientific studies, our ancestors trusted the practice and experienced its benefits firsthand.

So, don’t stress over meditation. That’s the last thing you want. Start with a simple routine and stick with it. As you get comfortable, you can explore different types of meditation for different purposes. And remember: meditation doesn’t have to look like sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. It can be any practice that slows your body and mind. You might take a slow walk in the woods (forest bathing), sketch or journal mindfully, take a light nap, or simply sit back without distractions. Whatever feels right, set your intention to connect—and that’s enough.

Sometimes, simply starting can feel like the hardest part. Trauma, unprocessed emotions, or long-held stress may need attention before you can truly slow down. Think of it like a tangled ball of yarn: you can’t begin weaving until you start untangling the knots. Early meditation may involve facing feelings you’ve buried deep inside. Be gentle and kind with yourself. Go slow, take breaks, and speak to yourself with compassion.

Meditation isn’t meant to be another source of stress. It’s a retreat, a chance to recover, to explore, and to heal. If emotions rise, acknowledge them—even for a minute—and then allow yourself to pause. Over time, you’ll untangle the knots in your mind and body, and your thoughts and feelings will flow more freely. You’ll feel more at home in yourself.

Trust the process. Meditate. Take breaks. Meditate again. And keep going.