How To Pick Up Meditation After Taking A Long Break?

Finding Your Zen Again: The Art of Rekindling Your Meditation Practice

So, you’ve taken a hiatus from your meditation practice? Hey, life happens. The daily grind, responsibilities, or perhaps just a whirlwind of events made you hit the pause button. But here’s the silver lining: the path back to your zen state is just a few mindful steps away. Picking up meditation again after a long break might seem like trying to catch water in a sieve, but fear not. Let’s navigate the gentle art of rekindling your meditation practice with some easy, actionable steps.

Setting The Stage For A Grand Comeback

1. Embrace The Fresh Start

First off, shed any guilt like last year’s winter coat. Everyone’s journey has its twists and turns. Viewing your return to meditation as a fresh start can invigorate you with a novel sense of purpose. Remember, it’s not about lamenting the break but celebrating the return.

2. Synchronize Your Space

Your environment plays a starring role in your meditation comeback story. Find a quiet, comfortable nook that makes you think, “Ah, this is where I’ll sculpt my zen.” It doesn’t have to be an Instagram-worthy corner; simplicity is your best buddy here. The fewer distractions, the better.

3. Start Small, Dream Big

Thinking of diving straight into a 30-minute session? Hold your horses! Start with just 5-10 minutes daily. This isn’t a race; it’s more of a leisurely stroll through the park of mindfulness. As you regain your meditation mojo, you can crank up the duration.

4. Toolkit For Success

Sometimes, a little external nudge can work wonders. Consider meditation apps or guided sessions that cater to folks dusting off their meditation cushions after a while. The guidance can act as a gentle hand on your back, steering you back on track.

5. Variety Is The Spice Of Life

Who said meditation is all about sitting still with your eyes closed? Throw in some variety with walking meditations, mindful eating, or even yoga. Mixing it up can keep the boredom at bay and pique your interest levels.

Tackling The Hurdles Like A Pro

Jumping back into meditation isn’t always a walk in the park. You might find your mind wandering off to your grocery list or that email you forgot to send. Here’s a kicker: that’s perfectly okay. Meditation isn’t about silencing your thoughts; it’s about noticing them and gently bringing your focus back. Every time you do that, give yourself a mental high five.

Also, don’t fall into the comparison trap. Your meditation practice is uniquely yours. It isn’t a competition about who can sit the longest or who has the fanciest cushion. What matters is that you’re showing up for yourself, one breath at a time.

Lastly, squeeze meditation into your schedule like it’s your favorite TV show. Set a reminder if you have to. Making it a non-negotiable part of your day ensures you’re committed and reduces the chances of another unexpected hiatus.

Wrapping It Up With A Mindful Bow

Picking up meditation after a break is kind of like greeting an old friend: it might start with a bit of awkwardness, but soon enough, you’ll wonder why you ever stopped hanging out. Approach it with patience, curiosity, and a sprinkle of enthusiasm. Remember, the benefits of meditation — from stress reduction to enhanced self-awareness — are well worth the initial hurdles. So, there you have it, your roadmap back to your meditation practice. Now, go forth and meditate, warrior of tranquility!