January 04th, 2017

MOTIVE TO MEDITATE

When you meditate, you plug into a supercomputer.  When I meditate I solve problems, find inspiration for new initiatives, cut through my feelings to find the core truth, let grow of anger and frustration and have the most amazing conversations afterwards.  It’s my superpower. 

Meditation is more than sitting still and quiet.  Many people resist meditation because they think it’s boring or a waste of time.  It is easy to believe that time can be used more productively: working, exercising, going out, shopping, or seeing friends.  Meditation can seem self indulgent.  Time is limited: we expect those other activities will accomplish more in terms of money and relationships.
The benefits of meditation are so multifaceted- it can change your life in many ways. Eight weeks of regular practice will make you happier and more centered, rewire your brain, reduce stress related hormones, improve intuitive skills – that’s the short list.  In our busy, complicated lives we don’t realize its importance because meditation does not immediately produce emotional, physical, and mental benefits we can see.  Meditation works subtly from the inside out. 

Meditation, in many cultures and traditions, is considered the way to live a balanced, harmonious life with others and the planet.  Many religions, including Christianity, see meditation as an essential part of life just like eating, working, cultivating relationships. They begin and punctuate the day with meditation understanding that connection to Source or God grounds us and empowers us to work on our life’s purpose.  

The more relaxed and calm we are, the more we are receptive to the flow of experiences, information, and solutions in our lives.  It allows us to be more aware of our environment and act with more presence of mind.

If you think there is not time to meditate, you are missing a key opportunity that can change your life.  When you meditate, you plug into a supercomputer.  When I meditate I solve problems, find inspiration for new initiatives, cut through my feelings to find the core truth, let grow of anger and frustration and have the most amazing conversations afterwards.  It’s my superpower.  Not to mention, my fine lines relax and my energy is more positive.

The most difficult obstacle blocking you from achieving your goals is that you don’t know yourself as well as you think you do. The activity of life distracts us from going inside and asking questions of ourselves.  That is why meditation is so vital.  It takes you out of the commotion: the awareness created in meditation helps you get in touch with yourself, learn about yourself, and love yourself.  The more knowledge you have about yourself, the better you will understand yourself.  From there it is easier to decipher why you are here and what your true purpose is.  You are an amazing, powerful, creative being, but me telling you that is kind of like your mother telling you you are beautiful.  You need to discover yourself beautiful just like you need to uncover your own powerful, amazing, creative self.

There are many types of meditation.  At jolie we teach various forms.  This allows you to find the types that work best for you.  You can learn and refine those and can take them with you into the rest of your life.  My favorite guided meditations are visualizations, body scans, and sitting in silence.  Using those forms I shed stress and manifest things like crazy.

Here are some tips to get you started: take five minutes in the morning and focus on your breathing.  I often do this after hitting snooze on my alarm if I’m sure I won’t fall back asleep otherwise I do it after my shower.  It helps to focus on the light of a candle or imagine myself walking across a never ending field.  Notice how your body feels, emotions that arise, thoughts that come up.  Gradually increase your meditation time as you feel comfortable.  Guided meditations at jolie are also a wonderful way to kick start and deepen your practice--it’s akin to having a private trainer for your mind.  You move forward finding greater peace within and your own superpowers.
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with love and gratitude,
​Julia

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