Meditate Daily

It probably won't surprise you to hear that I’m a big fan of meditation. What might surprise you, though, is how I got started.

Many years ago, meditation was recommended to me as a way to manage stress. So, I headed to the bookstore (yes, this was before social media and the widespread awareness of meditation’s benefits) to pick up a book on the subject.

That first book? Absolutely terrible. So terrible, in fact, that years later when I rediscovered it on my bookshelf, I threw it away—something I had never done before or since. As someone who adores books, that should tell you just how bad it really was.

The author had a long list of rigid rules to follow in order to “succeed” at meditation. The first one? Meditate for at least two hours a day. Two hours a day?! At the time, I was a busy single mom with a full-time job. I barely had two hours a week to myself, let alone two hours every day.

Still, I gave it a shot—sitting on the floor with my back perfectly straight, trying to keep my mind completely blank (all per the book’s rules). Unsurprisingly, I gave up after a few frustrating attempts.

Fast forward a few years, and I was at my favorite spa, Alayne White Spa, which had just opened a new location. While waiting for my appointment, the receptionist asked if I wanted to try their "meditation room." Why not, I thought.

The room had a cozy chaise lounge and a little table with an iPod loaded with guided meditations from Meditation Oasis. I settled in and, as I listened to Mary Maddox’s soothing voice guide me through a simple breathing exercise, I fell in love with meditation.

I ended up downloading every Meditation Oasis meditation I could find and made them a regular part of my routine. The guided sessions varied in length and focus, but each one played a huge role in transforming how I dealt with stress.

A year or two later, I took the plunge and got certified to lead meditations myself. And like a reformed smoker, I couldn’t stop raving about it. I’m sure some people found it a bit much, but the truth is, meditation genuinely changed my life.

I know a lot of people still have hesitations about meditation, so here’s what I have to say in response to some of the most common objections:

• I don’t have time. Meditation doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Starting with just 5-10 minutes a day can offer significant benefits, and shorter practices can easily fit into even the busiest schedules.
• I can’t quiet my mind. Meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts entirely. The goal is to observe thoughts without judgment and gently bring focus back to the breath or a chosen point of focus when the mind wanders.
• I think meditation is too spiritual or religious for me. While meditation is a core practice in some spiritual traditions, it can also be entirely secular. Many meditation techniques are focused purely on mindfulness and stress reduction, without religious or spiritual components.
• I find it hard to sit still. Meditation doesn’t always have to involve sitting perfectly still in a traditional posture. It can be practiced while walking, stretching, or even lying down, making it adaptable for various physical comfort levels.
• I don’t know how to start. Meditation is a flexible practice, and there are many resources available, including guided meditations, apps, and beginner classes. There’s no single “right” way to meditate; the key is to start with simple techniques and build confidence over time.
• I’m not seeing results fast enough. Meditation’s benefits are cumulative and often gradual. It’s important to approach meditation with patience, knowing that consistent practice is what leads to long-term change.
• I don’t think meditation fits my personality. Meditation is beneficial for all personality types. While the practice involves calming the mind, its goal is to enhance focus, clarity, and balance—traits that benefit anyone, regardless of personality.
• I’m afraid of confronting difficult emotions. Meditation encourages you to become more aware of emotions and thoughts, which can be healing over time. If challenging emotions arise, it can be helpful to practice self-compassion and consider professional guidance if needed.
• I don’t think I’m skilled enough to meditate. Meditation is a simple, accessible practice for anyone. It doesn’t require advanced skills, just a willingness to begin and practice consistently. Even a few moments of mindfulness each day can be beneficial.

In the end, meditation became much more than just a stress management tool for me—it became a way of life. It taught me how to slow down, be present, and approach challenges with a calm, grounded mindset. While it’s easy to feel skeptical or intimidated by meditation, especially with all the myths and misconceptions out there, I’m living proof that it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to meditate for hours on end or follow a strict set of rules. All it takes is a few minutes of mindful breathing or listening to a guided session to start making a real difference in your life.

If you’re willing to give it a try, you might just find, like I did, that it’s exactly what you needed all along.