Don't Knock It Til You Try It: Meditation

Hi friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend :) So just a heads up - I am taking the GRE on August 18th (all good vibes welcome) so this might be my last post until that has come and gone. I'm going to try to get a few more posts in before then, but preparing for the GRE is my main priority right now. I'll be back on a regular posting schedule (Tuesday + Thursday) on August 23, which sounds so far away, but I know it'll be here in no time...which is scary since that's the second day of fall classes, ha! When I return I'll be doing a round up post of all of my current favorite motivational books that I've been reading. A lot of y'all have been asking for that over on Instagram so just know that it's coming!
Anyway, today I want to talk about something that I used to be a bit apprehensive about: meditation.

In the past, whenever I heard the word "meditation" I pictured a super spiritual yogi sitting crossed legged murmuring "hum" over and over. Not true. I've been practicing my version of meditation every morning for the past week and guys...it is a gamer changer. I wake up each morning and make a cup of coffee then head to my office for my meditation. I shut the door and set my iPhone timer for 5 minutes. 
Here's a look at what my meditation looks like:

• I start off by taking 3-5 deep, intentional breaths.
• Then I thank God for 3-5 things and make sure to send up a few praises, too!
• After that I go into visual manifestation - this is where I visualize things that I am working toward actually happening. Examples: scoring well on the GRE, getting into my grad school of choice, connecting with my friends/family, etc. I truly do believe in the power of positive thinking.
• I wrap it up with repeating a few short mantras until the timer goes off. My favorites right now are: 
• "Inhale love. Exhale fear. "
• "Inhale faith. Exhale doubt."
• "Inhale positivity. Exhale negativity."

I like to do my meditation mentally, meaning I don't say anything out loud. I keep my eyes closed and my breathing steady. I sit cross legged and make sure that my back is straight and supported.
I figured this picture was appropriate since my shirt DOES say "Namast'ay home with my dog" and I mentioned yogis at the start of the post ;) This was from a coffee date with my sweet friend and her precious pup last week! I'm LOVING mid-day dates...you can follow my summer adventures on Insta.
This meditation time has seriously changed my days. It helps me stay present -  I don't find my thoughts drifting back into the past or forward into the future. My stress no longer gets the best of me. I have mental clarity. I'm happier. I know...I sound a little crazy. I would've thought the same a month ago. But like I said in the title...don't knock it til you try it! How do you feel about meditation?
xo, Jess
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