Make A Muscle With Your Brain

What if you could arrive at work completely well rested and ready to take on the day? Sound far-fetched? Hardly. Close your eyes and embrace meditation. (But read this first!)

When I close my eyes, I can see anything. Sometimes it’s total darkness. Other times I see incredible patterns that dance and sway. Or I can transport myself to a walk I took in Australia. Honing this skill has helped calm me down. I’ve practiced over the past year on a train that lumbers back and forth to the middle of nowhere on my way to work.

How did I learn to relax and let go of things? I used headspace and learned meditation. Not your thing? Me neither. That’s what I thought. Then I started a new job with lots of unknowns. I was getting worked up and having chest pains. I needed help managing stress better. Through the techniques taught in the app, I learned to unwind.

This was a process and did not happen overnight. Think of this as an act of generosity toward yourself. After eight weeks, I did start to see a difference. My outlook on bleak situations softened. With that foundation, I took a look at other things that were overwhelming in my life like Facebook, celeb culture, and upsetting political news. I can’t say I’ve quit all three, but they certainly don’t consume my life like they used to.

With more time opened up, I was able to write on the train and work on paintings in the evenings. This magazine project had been kicking around for a few years. Meditation helped give it laser focus. Not a bad side effect.

Other side effects? I don’t let people get under my skin. I let go. I don’t stress over small details. I relax.

Dealing with coworkers is so much easier. I look forward to my commute and this 10-minute mini vacation. And is there a better way to arrive at work?

I’ve tried out a few apps. Headspace is the best for me. It goes at a great pace, laying out a foundation that you then build on. Check it out and let me know how it goes. Find your mellow!