Thoughts on getting unstuck
What do you do when you're stuck, in the doldrums, or suffering writer's block?
Today, I’ve been stuck on what to write. Maybe it’s August, the dog days of summer. It’s 100+ where I live, everyday, so I hibernate inside as much as I can. Going out requires sunscreen, a hat, water, a full tank of gas and remembering to put the sun shade on the dash so the steering wheel doesn’t torch my fingers. I am ready for August to be done.
I agree with what
wrote about August.
I read all her posts and watch when she shares videos of her drawing. It’s quiet and simple to watch. I can focus for the short time she draws.
That reminds me that meditation is a mindful practice. To shift out of being stuck this afternoon, I got out my Zen garden and arranged my rocks, crystals, and shells on the soothing blue sand. It eased my overactive mind, allowing writing ideas to surface.
If you haven’t considered a meditation practice, I highly encourage this as a way to stay true to yourself and let your inner compass guide you.
The marvelous thing about basic meditation is that you don’t have to have any stuff. Just you and yourself sitting quietly with your breath. There are things you can do such as the Zen Garden or walking in nature, but the simplest is to sit with your breath.
Most people think that meditation is having no thoughts. In my experience, it’s the opposite. There’s a tsunami of thoughts crashing my attempts to have no thoughts. Don’t judge yourself on your overactive mind. Life is busy. Over time, as you sit in your practice, your ego will calm down and you’ll find it’s easier to sink into a deeper state of meditation.
For me, the most profound benefit is a sense of peace. I don’t get triggered by outside circumstances as often.
Here are three steps to establishing your practice:
Plan how you want to practice. Start with when, where, how long. Find a place where you won’t be disturbed. Or tell people in your life you need alone time for however long you want to sit.
Have no expectations. Yes, those of you who are goal-oriented and feel useless if you aren’t producing, this is for you too. Seriously, there’s nowhere to get. It’s a gift you give yourself, to stay true to you.
Be consistent. Show up. Do the best you can. Stay committed to your practice and see what you notice after 30 days.
Giving myself 10 - 15 minutes with the Zen garden was what I needed to get unstuck and write this afternoon. Other practices that support my energy and focus include QiGong and Yoga. Plus, daily, I sit in meditation.
The benefits to having a regular meditation practice are far reaching with published data to support the benefits. Below is a link to a Mayo Clinic website article where you’ll find different types of practices to choose from for your desires and lifestyle. Pick one to start with and I promise, with commitment and showing up, you will experience many of the benefits listed in the article.
Mayo Clinic: Benefits of Meditation
You can purchase the Oasis of Calm Zen garden pictured above or others on Amazon (not an affiliate link.) I ordered it before two of our grandsons came to visit. The five-year old loved it, so these are good for all ages. I can’t even tell you how great it was to have a calm five-year old in my lap creating a design in the Zen Garden.
I invite you to join me in my Chat space to discuss meditation and ask questions.
