In two days, we will have finished January and entered a new month. What does that mean for you? What were your goals for January? What was your intention? Did you set any for the month? For the year? January flew by for Hungry & Fit and to be honest, we didn’t do great with our January goals, but we did alright on annual goals. Life works a little funny that way. It’s always push and pull like the tides. Just because you didn’t accomplish all 20 goals for your month (wow, might be too much?) doesn’t mean you are inherently bad. I want to guide you through a short meditation so that you can check in with yourself and be in tune with how you are and where you’re at.
[Suggested playlist: Tibetan Bowls]
Find a quiet place to sit or lay. Close your eyes.
Simply start by breathing. Once you find a steady breath, really concentrate on it. To help you concentrate on your breath, count it. For example, inhale for three counts, hold for three counts, exhale for three counts. Do this at least ten times.
Feeling a little more settled and a little less hectic? I hope so. Now, with eyes still closed, do an internal scan of your body starting at the top of your head and ending at the tip of your toes. Go slowly, feel each part of your body. Is something warm? Cold? Uncomfortable? Loose? Pay attention to those feelings. It’s okay to lose focus, just gently bring your awareness back to your body.
Got to your toes? Great, you’re now at least partially in tune with your body. Let’s try entering the mental and emotional realm. What keeps popping up in your mind or in your emotions? Allow yourself to dwell on it or to feel it, really center on it and give it your attention. And then let it float away like dust scattering in the wind.
Let’s move to the center of this meditation: your official check-in. Take a moment to imagine who you want to be and what you are striving for this year. This could mean a more patient you, you with a diploma, with a baby, with a book deal–whatever it is for you (no matter how big or small), imagine it. Let it take your entire field of view, stretch to every corner of your mind. Absorb it and breathe it in.
Chant these words to yourself: This is me. Do this for ten breaths.
Notice how your body feels, how your mind feels, how your heart feels. Connect the feelings and the picture of your goal. Ponder on this for however long you would like to.
Let’s end this meditation three ‘oms.’ You’re basically going to hum (or sing) ‘om.’ Let it vibrate your lips and take up the space in the room. Do your om three times for as long as you want. Open your eyes.
I created this meditation not in order to create guilt or stress, but for grounding. Life is CRAZY and we can easily lose track of ourselves. It’s important to take a handful of minutes to check in mentally, physically, and emotionally. And, with the New Year, it’s good to check in with your goals and remember why you created them. I hope you enjoy this meditation and find some balance in this crazy world. And as always, stay hungry and fit!
