Meditation is one of those things that almost every person knows about and has heard the benefits of, but for one reason or another, just can’t seem to make it happen. It’s not necessarily that it’s complicated (because it’s not). And it’s not because it’s time consuming (it doesn’t have to be). It’s typically because we all seem to think that there is a right way, and a wrong way. The truth of the matter is that there are a variety of ways to meditate, and not every way is going to work for you. Personally, I use a variety of techniques, (and not so techniques) to keep me focused and centered. I believe every mother can benefit from taking some time out during the day to reconnect with herself. With a combination of simple breathing exercises and mindfulness; the day can go from chaotic and overwhelming to a calm surrender.

My day typically starts when my five year-old son Sebastian rings the morning bell. “Time to wake up Mama. It’s morning!”. At this moment I awaken my senses and before I open my eyes, take a moment of gratitude, a deep breathe, and place my feet on the floor. The day has officially begun.

The day proceeds with a variety of ups and downs - tantrums and meltdowns (not just from the kids) and right around noon I stop. Completely. It doesn’t matter where I am. Inside, outside, or sitting in my car. This is my afternoon check-in. I find that this 5 minute check-in with myself is the single most important thing I will do in my day. It allows me to slow my thoughts, recognize that all my worries and stresses are really not a big deal, and to remind myself that all is well. I close my eyes, takes in a few deep breaths and let it all go. Like a deflating balloon, I release everything that may be on my mind or tugging at my nerve string. Within 5 minutes or so I feel like a new woman. I resume whatever activity I was doing and the day continues.

Like every woman, by the time dinner is over and the kids have been put to bed, you may not feel like doing anything. I mean, even taking a hot bath seems like a huge chore. But this quiet time is vital to the conclusion of the day. I usually will take 30-45 minutes to do some yoga or stretch, have a hot cup of Tulsi Tea and prepare for my evening meditation.

It’s usually my intention to sit or lie down with a blanket over me (much like in savasana) and once again take a moment of gratitude for all the moments (good and not so good) in my day. I then just breathe…deeply at first, and then more and more shallow. What usually happens with me is that I fall asleep, and I awake in the morning to another day. You may not fall asleep, but you can be sure that when you release yourself from the meditation you will feel a deep sense of calm and connection.

So this in a nutshell is what I do on a daily basis. I do also incorporate guided visualizations and other techniques with longer duration; but for the most part this is all I need. A moment in my day to breathe, show gratitude and repeat. I believe that as a mother, having a meditation practice can completely change the way we move in this world. It can be the lifesaver we need in those not so calm times.