Meditation Alternatives
Meditation alternatives. I know a secret, something that’s only talked about in hushed tones partnered with side glances. Something that no one dares to speak aloud for fear of immediate rejection and humiliation.
I know that some people don’t like meditating.
GASP.
Yep, I said it.
It seems like everywhere you turn, someone is telling you the benefits of meditation:
- Increased clarity
- Connection with your Higher Self
- Decreased stress
- Keeping you spiritually grounded
- Anxiety relief
- Increased positive thoughts
- Better love life
- Healthier brain
Meditation provides all of that — and more. (It’s better than a hot fudge sundae on a 90 degree day!)
But believe it or not, I’ve had a student or 20 tell me that they can’t meditate; they find it too hard, too boring, or too difficult to relax.
So friend, you are not alone. And I’m here to tell you that there is more than one way to achieve the benefits of meditation without meditating.
There ARE meditation alternatives…
What is Meditation?
Before you grasp that there is more than one way to bake the meditation cake, it’s critical to understand what meditation is (and why it’s important).
At the root of it, meditation is the act of bringing awareness to your thoughts, breath and self.
The whole point of it is to clear your mind, be present, and allow yourself to become more connected to the divine (including your Higher Self).
When you meditate, you tune into what is going on in your mind and become an observer to your thoughts.
That state of mind gives you the ability to understand and change the way you think about things (which is where the clarity and decreased stress comes from).
Have you ever heard yourself think something less-than-pretty? Or left a situation wondering what on Earth you were thinking?
The observer state that you slip into during mediation allows you to discover your mind all over again…
It brings you to the here and now and helps you focus on the present. It leads you to those “aha” moments.
Even better? The observer state of mind is flexible.
It can pop up during other times besides meditation. In fact, there are several meditation alternatives that allow you to dive in and connect with your Higher Self!
5 Meditation Alternatives
1. Yoga
At the end of the day, meditation removes you from the everyday hubbub of your life and allows you to recharge — just like yoga does!
So, if meditation is more nay than yay in your book, try slipping into a child’s pose.
Beyond its obvious health benefits, yoga calls attention to the present situation and presents an opportunity to be still and enjoy the moment.
When you walk away from either yoga or meditation, you will feel similar feelings of grounding, rooting, and clarity.
2. Musical Outlets
This is one of the most fun meditation alternatives ever!
The next time you’re in the shower, don’t hold back… belt out that song you just can’t seem to get out of your head. Expression through music or dancing can benefit your mind and body in meditative ways.
Just like yoga, singing or dancing require focus on the moment (rather than the string of thoughts floating by).
When I’m feeling down and am not in the mood to meditate, I turn on some high vibe music and sing as I clean the house. I feel lighter and more centered once I’ve diverted my attention to the here and now.
3. Color
Oh yes, you heard right, coloring books are making a big-time come back! I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of those mandala ones when they first came out.
Sitting down with some freshly sharpened colored pencils, a cup of herbal tea, and a blank page allows my mind to wander and discover without being interrupted or checked.
I especially love coloring when I’m about to create a dream or vision board. It activates the creative side of my brain and allows me to think outside the box.
4. Spend Time with Mother Nature
Nature is a great go-to when you’re feeling ungrounded, unclear or anxious… so it’s a fantastic alternative to meditation.
Slipping on your tennis shoes and heading out into nature can:
- Open your mind
- Promote creativity
- Ground you
Try taking a walk in the park, enjoying some time at the beach, or even just sitting outside and reading a book. The fresh air and sun will promote general calming, and in turn your brain will follow suit.
If you really want to amplify meditation benefits while in nature, take off your shoes and walk barefoot in your backyard or at the beach.
Tip:
If you live in the city, get some small plants and potting soil, and plant them in pretty pots without using gloves. The key here is to touch the earth/dirt.
5. Meditation Alternative: Cleaning
This is a personal preference, and you may be reading this and thinking I’m crazy, but hear me out.
You know how Monica on Friends can’t help but clean up a mess?
I’m the same way. Not just because I enjoy a clean house, but because I enjoy the physical act of cleaning. There’s something soothing about being able to fix a problem.
Plus, when you’re sweeping the patio or wiping the counter down, your mind wanders.
During these times, your hands are busy and you can just BE in the moment.
(This may sound totally nerdy, but folding laundry puts me in a totally meditative state!)
Meditation Alternatives Takeaways
Meditation can seem overwhelming at first (which is why some people end up saying they don’t like it).
But after slipping into an observer state of mind using this list of meditation alternatives, it will start to seem less daunting.
And no worries… If you have your heart set on meditating, but it feels overwhelming, this meditation guide will help.
There’s a good chance that once you practice these meditation alternatives for a while, you’ll feel called to try meditating again.
Start out with a coloring book and a walk on the beach, and then work your way up to a guided meditation, or try a mantra.
Whatever you decide, remember the one and only rule of meditation: there’s no right or wrong way to do it.
Meditation should be a non-judgmental way to connect with yourself so you can clear your mind and raise your vibration. There’s no wrong way to do that!
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