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
Here’s the scoop… those things are true! Meditation does provide all of that — and more. Yes, meditating is 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 (in the proverbial “hushed tone”) that they haaaate meditating. 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 yummy 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 Divine self – your soul/Higher Self).
When you meditate, you tune into what really goes on in your mind and become an observer to your thoughts. That state of mind gives you the ability to understand and potentially 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 demands focus on the present. It leads you to those, “Ah-HA!” moments.
But here’s the good news: that observer state of mind is flexible. It can pop up during other times besides meditation. In fact, there are several meditation alternatives that leave no excuse for you not to dive in and connect with your Higher Self :)
5 Meditation Alternatives
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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 it’s obvious health benefits, yoga calls attention to the present situation and presents an opportunity to be still and enjoy the moment. When I walk away from either yoga or meditation, I feel similar feelings of grounding, rooting, and clarity.
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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/dance my way around the house! I feel lighter and more centered once I’ve diverted my attention to the here and now.
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Color
Oh, yes. Oh, yessss! You heard right, coloring books are making a come back BIG TIME! I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of those medallion ones when they first came out.
Sitting down with some freshly sharpened colored pencils, a glass of Pinot, 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 super creative side of my brain and allows me to think outside the box.
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Spend Time with Mother Nature
Nature is my go-to when I’m feeling ungrounded, unclear, or anxious… so it’s a fantastic alternative to meditation! Slipping on my tennis shoes and heading out into nature never fails to open my mind, promote creativity, and provide a sense of being grounded. 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.
Tip: If you REALLY want to get connected with the Divine, take off your shoes and walk barefoot in your backyard or at the beach, etc! If you live in the city, get some small plants potting soil and plant them in pretty pots without using gloves. The key here is to touch the earth/dirt.
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Clean (oh yes, this is one of the fab meditation alternatives!)
This is a personal preference, and you may be looking at the me (via the screen) like I’ve got two heads — 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 a mess up. There’s something soothing about being able to fix a problem. Plus, when I’m sweeping the patio or wiping the counter down, my mind wanders.
I don’t have to pay close attention to what I’m doing, my hands are busy, and I can just BE in the moment. This may sound completely nerd-a-licious, but folding laundry puts me in a totally meditative state (well, except for fitted sheets – they take too much focus).
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, meditation may start to seem less daunting.
And no worries… If you REALLY have your heart set on meditation, but it feels overwhelming, this complete meditation guide will help.
Start out with a coloring book and a walk on the beach, and then maybe work your way up to a guided meditation.
Whatever you decide, remember the number one rule (and only rule) of meditation: there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Meditation should be a non-judgey way to connect with yourself and the Divine so you can clear your mind and raise your vibration.
There’s no wrong way to do that!