By Rae McPherson
I was first introduced to meditation nearly 10 years ago.
Plagued with anxiety a psychologist introduced me to mindfulness and suggested a regular meditation practice to ease my troubled mind. At first it was too uncomfortable to “be” with my breath so I used guided meditation. Some days the anxious thoughts and their affects on my body made even that too uncomfortable.
I found that combining mindful breathing with jewelry, and eventually Mala making, allowed me to build a practice that was creative and sustainable.
I do a sitting practice and a walking practice as well. Meditation has changed my life in indescribable ways. It’s not meant to be “perfect” so find ways to get started. Don’t be afraid if your practice doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Then find groups and resources that help your practice evolve. The Tattooed Buddha was really my first sangha. My mountain community is small, and I was still fairly new to the area when the meditation course ran a few years ago. It helped me deepen the practice and gave me a sense of community.
Meditation practice has been a gift of presence which I hope everyone can experience.
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