Westerly Sun Column | Meditation Group Can Help Put Life in Perspective

The world can feel overwhelming these days. With 24/7 news coverage, social media, and cell phones with constant notifications and distractions, I often try to remind myself that the only thing I can control is myself. So, I will focus on small things, like what will I have for lunch today? Am I actually going to exercise? And most importantly, should I watch "Real Housewives" or "Traitors?" Major decisions that are not to be taken lightly.

One very effective activity to combat stress and feeling overwhelmed is practicing meditation. The benefits of meditating are well documented. As Dan Harris points out in his book “Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics”, meditation can lower blood pressure, slow atrophy of the brain, and help with depression and anxiety. Dan famously (or infamously) had a panic attack live on air, after which he researched ways to deal with depression. Meditation was a large part of his recovery because it helped him become more focused and less controlled by his emotions. “Anxiety to Empowerment: Exercises and Meditations to Stop Stressing and Start Engaging” by Amanda Huggins reveals tools to have healthier strategies to deal with anxious and negative thoughts. She focuses on how to create a more grounded and engaged way to live.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.” If you need some inspiration, we have plenty of books on exercise to choose from including “8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise” by Christina G. Hibbert and “The Body Mind Soul Solution: Healing Emotional Pain Through Exercise” by Bob Livingstone. You might find that gardening or cooking helps with your stress relief. The key is to find what works for you.

If meditation sounds intriguing to you, you should consider joining our weekly meditation group that meets every Thursday evening from 6:15 to 7:15. It’s a supportive setting for practicing breath-centered meditation. Each week there are two sessions over the course of 60 minutes. The first session is a guided session, to familiarize those with little or no experience, followed by a 20-minute silent session. It’s free and open to all, no matter your level of experience. Bring your own meditation cushion or pillow and join in! 

by Caroline Badowski, Head of Adult Services