How meditation can cultivate consistency
The ability to create and maintain good habits is crucial skill that remains relevant throughout our daily lives. Whether it is limiting your coffee intake to one cup a day, or reading for an hour before bed, creating consistency through routine can become a tremendous benefit during the upcoming year.
Students are not the only ones who can relate—the constant presence of routine in our lives is evident in the way we think, speak, and act. Consistency and routine can often be mistaken as boring or static; however, building a healthy routine or regimen can create a huge boost in self-esteem. One of the most prominent examples of cultivating a healthy habit is apparent in meditation.
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been adopted for modern use by many. In the hectic and stressful environment created by contemporary society, it is quite easy for an individual to get caught up and tangled in the messiness of the world. Meditation is a way to separate yourself from any physical or mental stress you might have through an emphasis on inward thoughts and emotions.
The act of meditation itself, in general terms, involves a focus on posture, breathing, rhythm, and mindfulness. Having a set amount of time dedicated towards meditation can be extremely beneficial—not only will you feel more relaxed, but you are also reflecting upon your thoughts, emotions, and challenges that are prevalent in your own life. Even if it is for only 10 minutes a day, establishing an attainable habit that promotes health and mental vitality can dramatically alter your life.
That being said, you are not expected to become an expert of meditation after a week. Practicing meditation is unique to everyone, and each individual who tries might have their own certain way of doing it—mental flexibility and openness is key towards creating a lasting habit.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman, a well-known practitioner of meditation, said, “Meditation is all about the pursuit of nothingness. It’s like the ultimate rest. It’s better than the best sleep you’ve ever had. It’s a quieting of the mind. It sharpens everything, especially your appreciation of your surroundings. It keeps life fresh.”
After reading Jackman’s quote, it is evident that from his performances as the angry and powerful Wolverine, to his depiction of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, there is a constant awareness and control of emotion.
In a way, meditation can become an outlet to convey your emotions in a controlled environment. Reflecting on the events that have occurred during the day can allow you to situate yourself appropriately to a specific moment. Instead of letting a bad day at work or a poor mark on your assignment affect you, creating the habit of meditation can help you move past the stressful events of daily life.
Through practicing meditation on a daily basis, you are creating a long-lasting habit that encourages consistency, stability and routine—things that are often sought after in the midst of our fast-paced society where actions and motives are typically dictated by exterior forces. Whenever your schedule starts to become hectic, remember that building a habit out of meditation has the ability to put you, the participant, in control of your emotions and wellbeing.