My Meditation Story Growing a Daily Practice

My first introduction to meditation was in high school in the 1990’s, (read about it here) but it wasn’t until 2021 that I began a daily meditation practice. Growing a daily meditation practice has supported me in achieving a level of calm and control in my life that I never thought possible.

Leading up to 2021

Daily meditation seemed like an unachievable dream for me up until the fall of 2020. 

The pandemic was in full swing and we were living in strict adherence to recommended protocols regarding masking and social distancing beyond our household members. 

The majority of my focus was on supporting my Kindergartner as we embarked on the daunting task of online homeschool with me as her teacher.

The other primary focus was on me maintaining my sobriety and mental health throughout all of the challenges that life and the pandemic were bringing.

Refuge Recovery Brings Meditation in Focus

Over the summer, I discovered Refuge Recovery as a tool to integrate into my mission of strengthening my recovery from addiction (which in turn, strengthens my mental health). 

Refuge Recovery is a recovery program that utilizes the foundations and practices of Buddhism to treat addiction. As part of the program and meeting structure, meditation is a focus. Each meeting consists of a group guided meditation, and then sharing afterwards.

I began attending meetings weekly and growing relationships with the people in the meetings. Through consistent practice, and community support, I began to realize that meditation was not only something that I could do, it was something that was necessary in evolving my well-being.

After months of weekly meditation practice in the meetings, I began adding in a few meditations throughout the week. These additions emerged organically as I was enjoying the meditation practice and felt called to expand it.

Setting the Goal of Daily Meditation

I consistently take opportunities to reflect and adjust goals to improve my healing and wellness. The biggest reflections begin in December, and shape the intentions and goals that I set for the New Year. 

As I reflected in December 2020, I was grateful for the tools that I had implemented to keep my in a state of stability and ‘surviving.’ But I knew that 2021 could usher in a year of THRIVING if I intentionally designed my routines to support my growth. 

Daily meditation was my goal. 

Instead of proclaiming that I was going to meditate every day… I gave myself grace and space by treating daily meditation as an experiment.

“I wonder how many days in a row I can meditate?” 

That’s the question that I was investigating. (As of writing this blog, the answer is 311 and counting… which I use an app to track.)

In setting the goal of daily meditation, I did not set any limitations on when, for how long, etc. 

I just was going to meditate. Whether it was for one minute, or one hour – it all counted.

The one thing I knew was that I wanted to meditate in bed in the evenings as the last part of my day to calm the fluctuations of my mind. 

So that’s what I did and am still doing.

I use the meditation app, Insight Timer and end every day with a guided meditation before I fall asleep. (Some nights I fall asleep while meditating… and guess what? …that counts too!)

Throughout this year, I have begun to add in more meditation throughout my day – including in my morning routine.

My mindset is one of gentle allowing and organically supporting the development of this practice – and it seems to be not only working but growing.

Growing Your Support

If you need a few tips to get you started on your meditation practice, read “3 Tips For Meditating” for inspiration.

You can also schedule a 20 minute consult call with me where I can personalize some tips for your practice here.

Always remember – I am just an email or direct message away! Email me at robinswellnest@gmail.com and connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.

With love and light,
Robin