Changing habits while I close my eyes?
- Shelley
- Feb 28, 2023
- 3 min read
When it comes to making big changes in our lives, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. However, it's essential to remember that every big change starts with a small step. By focusing on small, manageable actions, we can build momentum and gradually work towards our goals. This is especially true when it comes to developing new habits that support our personal growth and well-being. Often, it's the small, seemingly insignificant habits that make the most significant impact over time.
By identifying and adopting new habits that align with our values and goals, we can gradually overcome the habits that hold us back and make meaningful progress towards the life we want to lead. But developing a new habit can be a challenging process that requires time, effort, and commitment. Our brains are wired to resist change, and breaking old habits while creating new ones can be uncomfortable and require a significant amount of willpower and self-discipline. What if I tell you you can start doing it with your eyes closed? Could meditation be the answer?
Meditation is a practice that has been around for thousands of years, but it's only recently that its benefits have been extensively researched and widely acknowledged. Among other things, meditation has been found to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. However, one of the most interesting applications of meditation is its ability to help people acquire new habits. Yes! (Are you excited as I am?)
AI have been practicing meditation for years, and I can sure tell you about its effectiveness in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep.
But it wasn't until I started looking into the research that I realized just how powerful meditation can be in terms of habit formation.
Meditate to acquire new habits! This is how it works:
Meditation promotes mindfulness, which is the state of being fully present and engaged in the moment. By being mindful through meditation, we become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This heightened awareness can help us identify unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier ones.
Meditation helps us to develop self-control and willpower. In a world full of distractions and temptations, it can be difficult to stick to new habits, especially if they require effort or sacrifice. However, meditation can help us strengthen our ability to resist temptation and stay focused on our goals.
Meditation can help us manage stress and anxiety, which are major obstacles to habit formation. When we are stressed or anxious, we tend to fall back on old habits as a way of coping. By reducing stress and anxiety through regular meditation, we are better equipped to form new, healthier habits.
Meditation can also help us build a sense of self-compassion and forgiveness. Often, when we fail to meet our goals or slip back into old habits, we beat ourselves up and feel discouraged. However, meditation can help us develop a more forgiving and accepting attitude towards ourselves, which can in turn help us stay motivated and focused on our goals. Just close my eyes and meditate?
General meditation is a practice that promotes mindfulness, relaxation, and overall well-being, which can indirectly support acquiring new habits. On the other hand, specific habit-oriented guided meditation is a targeted approach that focuses on creating new habits directly by using guided imagery, visualization, and affirmations to help you build new habits and make lasting changes. While both types of meditation can be beneficial, habit-oriented guided meditation can be particularly effective for those looking to develop specific habits that align with their goals and values.
How can I meditate on a specific habit I want to acquire ?
Specific habit-oriented guided meditations can be found all over the internet, and YouTube is a great tool to start with. However, it's important to note that not all meditations may resonate with you, and it's okay to explore different options and find the one that feels most relevant and meaningful. Trying out different guided meditations and finding the one that "speaks" to you and that you can easily relate to can help increase your motivation and make the habit-forming process more enjoyable and sustainable.
Ultimately, the key is to find a meditation practice that can provide a supportive and effective framework for your personal growth and aligns with your unique needs and goals.
So what will be the thing you'll start with ?
Intro image by Dana Tentis: https://pixabay.com
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