Finding peace of mind

Meditation is an age-old practice that transcends religions, cultures, and eras.

Some meditate as a religious practise, others seek to reduce stress and anxiety or settle an overactive or overwhelmed mind.

But what is it about this discipline that has seen it skyrocket in popularity amidst the fast-paced 21st century?

It is the practise of finding peace, taking a moment to move away from the hustle and hurry of the day, fast-paced digital age and spiralling thoughts, and direct your thoughts to find inner stillness.

As a practise, Meditation is simple: sit still, breathe, focus your thoughts. But it can make a huge difference.

According to meditation teacher Beth Milner, who facilitates meditation and mindfulness courses at the Geelong Meditation Clinic, even a few seconds to a few minutes of meditation each day can make a difference to your mindset and mood.

“Although meditation has its roots in religious traditions it can be a surprisingly simple, dogma-free and enjoyable skill to learn,” Ms Milner said.

“You might just need to shop around to find an approach that suits your own particular needs, temperament and interests.

“Meditation practice comes in many different styles and forms but essentially it is a technique or process that allows you to relax your body and calm your mind.

“This is done by bringing greater awareness to the body, breath, senses or even thoughts and emotions and can be done formally, in a seated or lying down posture, or informally, as you go about your day.”

Ms Milner runs six-week meditation and mindfulness courses, groups and retreats, as well as courses on self-compassion, in Newtown and online via Zoom.

In beginners’ courses participants learn how to relax, find inner calm and clarity, and reduce stress and anxiety.

The most common benefits of meditation include a reduction of stress and anxiety, greater skill in managing emotions, increased focus and improved sleep.

“Many meditators also feel more connected in their relationships and to generally feeling more satisfied and alive,” Ms Milner said.

Trainee yoga instructor and Bellarine local Rachel Mercer started meditating in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns and now practises it regularly as she finds it is a simply way to live in the present and reduce stress.

“Initially I didn’t think much of it, it was just something for me to do while we were stuck at home so I wouldn’t go crazy. But as I continued the practice I noticed a change in the way I was feeling mentally, emotionally and physically, I felt rejuvenated, I felt at peace with myself and who I was for the first time in a very long time,” Ms Mercer said.

“Personally, meditation is a way for me to come back to myself, to come back to the present moment, which I feel I am so drawn away from when we get caught up in the pressures that society places on us to be doing so much, to be working ourselves to the ground for the future or successes.

“Meditation is a way for me to become grounded again, to have that time to not be thinking about what I have to do today or the next day or next year, and instead be present in the moment, be present in the breath.”

Ms Mercer said meditation can seem difficult at times when your thoughts are racing and life is busy, but the result is always worth it.

“I will sometimes sit there for half an hour struggling to switch off my thoughts and will just want to quit, but it’s in these moments when we really need it.

“Through meditation I am always learning about myself and the world around me and it is something that can help each and every one of us on our own journeys through life.