Meditation is like Medication

In class, meditation has always been the final part of each practice. I find it very relaxing to take in what I learned and what muscles I did not even know I had. I find meditation to be VERY important because it allows you to completely slow down and focus on yourself. I am guilty of starting to doze off when listening to the instructor. When music plays, I am awake but my mind is having rapid different thoughts like it usually does. I find it easier to focus to a sound rather than words. If I have trouble sleeping, practicing yoga and then meditating to sleep is SO peaceful and I highly recommend it. In practices, it is usually expected at the end of the practice. Some people enjoy doing the yoga practice because it is easier to meditate afterward or meditation is their reward for completing the yoga sequences. In some cases, meditation was before the practice. I assume it's based on people's preferences. Some might feel exhausted finishing with a yoga practice while others see it as a time to rest and then yoga is used to regenerate themselves. I am unsure which I like better. I do feel a bit tired after meditating, but I also need time to take in my yoga practice. I would say meditating would be easier after the yoga practice. I feel that before it, my mind could still be all over the place.

The reason why I consider meditation as medication is that is greatly helps relieve headaches I get and has helped me calm my anxiety. One day, my anxiety was getting very bad where I couldn't eat, sleep, or stop shaking. I found that meditating was the perfect remedy. I went outside and laid on back on my trampoline. The sun was shining on me and I could smell the oak trees and feel the soft breezes. I put ear buds in and played "Intro" by the Xx on repeat. I closed my eyes and just listened. I think it must've been 2-3 hours that went by. I never fell asleep. I was in a deep meditative state. After that, my anxiety was tame! Anxiety is always with me but that day, I was able to stop shaking and enjoy a large home cooked meal. I realized that I like meditating to music that does not have lyrics. "Intro" is a very relaxing song and I encourage everyone to try practicing yoga or meditating to it. If a song has lyrics, I wouldn't be focusing on the meditation, I'd be listening to the music and lyrics. Another song that could be helpful is the "Youuu can'ttt sayyy where the road goesss" song. I honestly don't understand what the lyrics are after that line. I concluded that songs like "Intro" are "loud" and catchy that I can listen to it on repeat. If it was soft piano music, I probably would fall asleep.

When I meditate, it is usually practiced by laying down. When sitting up, out of habit, I want to put my palm on my knees facing down to be grounded (which I already am). I try to cross my legs the opposite way an I rest my hands palming facing up to be open to the world. I want myself to not fall into a routine of always staying grounded and in one "safe" position.

I find meditation very important and I should not be overlooked. Put yourself in a comfortable surrounding. Maybe put on a meditation video or a playlist or a song on repeat and feel yourself transform.