meditate

Are you feeling pulled in a million different directions? Ready to slow down?
Welcome to our Month of Meditation!

If you’re anything like me, you don’t stop spinning from the moment you wake up until the moment you drop into bed at night. Life just seems to be getting busier and more things seem to be getting thrown your way. There are more emails to read, more websites to check out, more things to do, more checks to check off. And somewhere in all of this, your soul is asking you to stop for a little while. Breathe. Slow down. Get centered. Does this sound about right?

 

What would happen if you committed to taking just a few minutes a day for the next month to slow it all down?

How do you think your life would be different if you gave yourself this time to reconnect with your spirit?

Would you be willing to try?

Many of us have tried to meditate before but either didn’t know if we were doing it right or started for awhile and then moved onto something else. We may have thought that it was too frivolous – that we were too busy to take time out and be still. Or we may have been afraid to be alone with our thoughts – who knew what would come up if we took away the buffers.

I have definitely been there. In fact, I’m still there.

But I hear a whisper coming from deep within me that keeps saying that I really need to meditate. It says that I have to slow it down – that I need to. If I’m going to continue doing this work, I have to stay connected to my spirit. And meditation is such a wonderful way to do this.

So here I am. Committing to all of you that I will spend a bit of time every day in May meditating. And I am asking you to join me.

Something very powerful begins to happen when we show up for each other. When I know that you are holding me accountable to doing something, I’m much more likely to do it than if it’s just for myself. And if you know that I’m here supporting you, you’ll be much more apt to show up for yourself as well. That’s just how it works!

So what do you think? Can you commit to giving yourself a few minutes of quiet time every day? I know you’re all busy, but even if it’s just one minute – that’s a great start!

(Hint: If you are so busy that you have a hard time finding even a single moment alone, stay in the bathroom for an extra minute or two when you’re doing your “business.” No one will know that you’re actually meditating – and you’ll feel so much better when you come out!)

How’s It Going to Work?

Every single day for one month we will spend time meditating.

And then we will come back here to say that we did it.

Be sure to click on the day of the month’s page to check in:

That’s it!

We’re going to set ourselves up for success and make it super easy.

We’re not committing to say how long we’re going to meditate for, or when in the day we’re going to do it, or how we’re going to do it.

Of course, if you want to write about your experience, that would be wonderful! If you want to write about what’s coming up for you, please do so! If you want to write about how you meditated – what form, for how long, etc. – we would love to hear it! If you want to write about some of the thoughts that went through your mind while meditating, that would be fun to read.

But – these aren’t required.

The only thing that is required is that you spend a moment (or two or three) each day in stillness (however you define it).

Will you join me in giving ourselves the gift of stillness?

If so, please comment below to let everyone know that you’re in. And then come back each day and comment that you did it (there will be a new post for each day). That’s it!

I can’t wait to see how our lives change throughout this month.

I’m so honored to share this journey with each of you and to be a part of such a beautiful gift – the gift of time, space, and stillness. The gift of coming back to ourselves.

Thank you for joining me!
(Be sure to read the questions/FAQ below – if you have any other questions, please email me at: jodi@soulfuljournals.com.)

Also, I created a fun meditation poll to see where we’re all starting from! Click here to take it!

 

 

Questions/FAQ:

How should I meditate?

That’s completely up to you!

I’ll be easing in with guided meditations. I’m going to use the Re-Awakening Guided Meditation Program, which I already love! It contains 10 different meditations – ranging from general relaxation meditations to ones that help you with anxiety and health. If you would like to do this with me, click here to order it. (It’s just $27 for 10 meditations and 3 workbooks + you get a ton of bonuses, too.)

Another option that is great for beginning meditation, is to follow along with the book, Everyday Meditation: 100 Daily Meditations for Health, Stress Relief, and Everyday Joy by Tobin Blake. It contains 100 daily meditations, which are woven into a discussion about what exactly meditation is, why we might be resistant to it, and how we can overcome this obstacle. Through these meditations, we learn to live more consciously and open to our truest essence. We reconnect with our soul, which opens the path to lasting happiness and inner peace. Please click here to read more about it.

You can also do walking meditation. You could meditate when you are washing the dishes. You could close your eyes and focus on your breath while you are in line at the grocery store. How you do it really isn’t as important as simply doing it. Showing up for yourself. Allowing yourself to be in the present moment. That is the gift.

This meditation timer is really helpful, too. I definitely recommend it – the gongs are so peaceful. Much better than a regular alarm sound.

There are so many wonderful resources for meditation – you could spend many hours trying to find the “right” one to do. Please don’t let yourself get sidetracked though – remember that this time is about slowing down and getting out of our minds and allowing life to flow through us. Just go with what feels best for you.

What if I already meditate regularly? Can I still participate?

Of course! I would encourage you extra to participate.
You could serve as our inspiration! You could chime in and share all of the wonderful ways that regular meditation has changed your life. You could let us know what worked for you when you were just starting out. You could cheer us on when we start to question whether this is really for us. You are definitely needed, and I do hope that you’ll participate!

What happens when the month is over?

When the month is over, I would love to have a conversation about what we learned about ourselves throughout this process. And then you can decide if you would like to continue with meditation. You can also use this month to try out different methods and see which one feels the best for you.

Can I help you spread the word?

I would LOVE that! Please put the Meditation artwork on your websites and link to this page. Please share that you’re participating in A Month of Meditation on Soul Speak and would love for your friends to join you!

Here are some possible Facebook posts:

Feeling stressed? Ready to slow down? Show up for yourself and join us for A Month of Meditation: http://www.jodichapman.com/meditate/ (Please link to the Soul Speak fan page: http://www.facebook.com/jodilchapman)

I’ve committed to meditating every single day this month! Want to join me?  http://www.jodichapman.com/meditate/ (Please link to the Soul Speak fan page: http://www.facebook.com/jodilchapman)

I joined a Month of Meditation on Soul Speak, and I’m already feeling calmer! Come join us!  http://www.jodichapman.com/meditate/ (Please link to the Soul Speak fan page: http://www.facebook.com/jodilchapman)

Here are some possible Tweets:

Feeling stressed? Ready to slow down? Show up for yourself and join us for A Month of Meditation: http://www.jodichapman.com/meditate/ @jodi_chapman

I’ve committed to meditating every single day this month! Want to join me? http://www.jodichapman.com/meditate/ @jodi_chapman

I joined a Month of Meditation on Soul Speak, and I’m already feeling calmer! Come join us! http://www.jodichapman.com/meditate/ @jodi_chapman

Any other questions?

Please email them to me at: jodi@soulfuljournals.com.

http://www.jodichapman.com/may-4/

Comments

meditate — 113 Comments

  1. Jodi,
    Okay, I am in for this meditation monthly project. I need to do this because I know it will help me to feel better. And it should be quite easy to start with 5 min. a day.

    Reply ↓

  3. I will commit to trying. I need quiet. I’ve been exploring meditation this past month. Perhaps this is the support I need to make it a regular part of my routine. Thank you. – Julie

    Wonderful, Julie! I’m so happy that you’re joining us!
    It sounds like this came at the perfect time for you!
    I look forward to getting to know you over the next month.
    :)
    Jodi
    Jodi – Soul Speak recently posted..Shared Wisdom – Pushing the RiverMy Profile

    Reply ↓

  5. I’m in! Great idea! I’ve meditated on and off for the last 20 years or so, but I’ve never been as consistent as I’d like to be. I think that committing to one month–and having a community of others who are doing this as well–is going to be so helpful! Thanks for getting this organized, Jodi–and thanks to everyone who’s joining in!
    Dan Teck recently posted..4 Tips for Following Through with Your PlansMy Profile

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  7. I’ve been putting this off for eons. Thank you for sparking my interest again. I know this will be incredibly good for me and I think an online “support group” of sorts is just what I need! Looking forward to it. :)

    Reply ↓

    • Welcome, Heather!
      I agree that having a support group is just what we all need. I have been feeling pulled to meditate for years, and I have dabbled with it in and off, but I never stuck with it. I’m hoping that I’ll create a habit if I do it daily for a month.
      I look forward to hearing how it’s going for you!
      :)
      Jodi – Soul Speak recently posted..You Be You. And I’ll Be Me.My Profile

      Reply ↓

  9. Thanks for doing this! I’m in. I’ve struggled for years with trying to have a regular practice, and something always gets me off track — even though I always feel how good it is for me. I’m hoping that committing for the entire month will get me back into making space for it on a regular basis. Look forward to the journey!

    Reply ↓

  11. This is awesome! Count me in! I just recently ordered and received 3 meditation CDs by Wayne Dyer in the mail. I’ve been receiving this strong pulling to meditate, which is why I ordered the CDs. So, the timing is perfect.

    Thanks Jodi!
    CeeCee recently posted..Change of plansMy Profile

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  15. What a great way to start the day! I’ve been wanting to do this, but just can’t get it going. Thank you for doing this.

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  17. I’ve been trying to find the time to just be internally still… listening for answers to some questions outside of myself.. really hoping that consciously being aware that I have agreed to do it will get me to find the time in every day.. For sure we can find stillness inside ourselves anywhere.. and it is that truth that I am holding on to to keep me focused … thanks your sharing
    LunaJune recently posted..The Universe & Mike DooleyMy Profile

    Reply ↓

    • Hi June,
      Thank you for chiming in here – wise words, as always. It’s so true that we all have the best intentions and we all want to find that inner calm. But sometimes intention alone just isn’t enough, right? We have to follow it with action. So that’s where this month of meditation comes in. I have intended to meditate for years, but I have yet to put it into a regular practice. I want to follow through and create a lasting habit. I am hoping that this month will help me do exactly that. And I’m hoping it’s helpful for you, too. So glad you’re here!
      Jodi – Soul Speak recently posted..You Be You. And I’ll Be Me.My Profile

      Reply ↓

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  22. I have taken initiation from RKMath,& have been meditating since 1980 but since last couple of years i am unable to sit quietly even for a minute,so much of disturbance,hope to get help from you.

    Reply ↓

    • I’m so glad you’re joining us! You’ve taken the first step by showing up for yourself and being willing to give it another try. For me, I’m excited to know that others will be here to support me, and I think I’ll be more likely to meditate if I know that I’m being held accountable. I look forward to seeing how this month goes for you, and I encourage you to keep checking in and letting us all know your progress.
      Jodi – Soul Speak recently posted..Shared Wisdom – The Magic of the MomentMy Profile

      Reply ↓

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  28. I really need help in sustaining a meditation practice. I recently started a 12 min a day hoping to gradually increase the time, but I don’t keep it up each day. This will be a good way to keep to it. Thank you

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  30. I’m so in, always try to do it alone and had same obstacles that you describe. Thankyou for this initiative.

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  33. Completed my first day. I like chanting as a meditation. I chant “Om Nama Shivaya” which translates to “I honor my inner divine” 108 times using japa mala beads. Then I sit for a bit in silence to let it sink in–very peaceful.

    Reply ↓

  34. Hi Jodi,
    Linda here… got your invitation for the month of meditation…what a great idea! I started meditating a year ago (after a serious medical journey) and it has changed my attitude and outlook. I join a group once a week for a sitting and I have been offering two sittings a week for people (students, faculty & staff) at my school. Having company adds to the solitary nature of meditation so I really look forward to joining in with this community this month. Thanks for the encouragement. I’m off to do my mediatation for today!

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  39. I’m in! I used to meditate every day, but life threw me a stumbling block and I’ve gotten out of the habit. Hopefully this will get me back on track. Thanks.

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  43. I’m in. I try to meditate each day to give me strength. Besides being disabled, there are many conficts in my family. I meditate to give me strength to help me believe in myself. To gain more self esteem. I have been controlled by people all my life, and now my grown children are trying to control me by using threats. I will not allow myself to be manipulated that way. I will gain strength and peace and calmness in my life by meditating.

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  47. Im in too. I like the thought of committing for a month, I tend to meditate only when I feel stressed, but it will be good to put the discipline in to do this daily. I know I will feel different at the end of the month. Im thinking that I will meditate using the sounds around me and also meditate on a feeling I want to cultivate, harmony is my favourite one, but will try to be aware of what I need in a day, patience will also be up there on the list.

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  49. 1st May meditation

    I’ve only ever meditated in a group setting before with someone ‘talking’ me through the journey and then ‘bringing’ me back. So I decided I would try for five minutes and see how it went. I grounded myself in my office chair, feet firmly planted, slowed my breathing, tried to cut out the extraneous noises from inside and outside the house and tried to clear the clutter from my mind. I was aware of the hum of the computer and used it as a focus against all the other noises.
    When I came out of the meditation and looked at the clock the total time was eight minutes. So I think I succeeded! I did feel more refreshed for the rest of the day so I will attempt it again today.
    Sally recently posted..A Month of MeditationMy Profile

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  50. Hello, Jodi,
    I was a little preoccupied the last two days. But, I am glad that I am not too late!
    I am going to start meditating today, as part of your group program. In fact, I have been meditating on and off, but my daily routine was throwing my intended schedule out of thwack. But being in a group is a big motivation. I will try to send a daily feedback.
    Yes! Let’s change the world!!

    Reply ↓

  51. Woke up feeling bad-headache and grogy, but took a short nap and then woke up refreshed. Chanted and completed a journal question. Realized that I wanted a lot of silence this morning which was pleasant (usually I have music playing or the TV on, but silence was great).

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  55. Namaste, Jodi. What a terrific idea! My publicist came across your site and was about to recommend that I check it out when she noticed that you mentioned my book, “Everyday Meditation.” Just one of those “coincidences” that doesn’t feel much like a coincidence at all. Anyway, just wanted to wish you and all those who are joining you for this month of meditation a fantastic and enlightening journey into presence. If I can be of service in any way, just let me know.
    Blessings,
    Tobin Blake

    Reply ↓

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  59. I’ts been a great emotionally opening week… some serious things are afoot but I’ve been mindful everyday and remembering to let it all go and take time to focus on the true nature of me.. and not just what is happening in the sea of life around me :~)
    so glad to be apart of it
    LunaJune recently posted..Soul SongsMy Profile

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  63. thanks for the reminders :~)
    it’s been an amazing month….
    full of some serious things
    life…death…images of mortality
    grateful to have found many ways.. thanks.. to take a moment
    to stand still…. to just be
    glad to be here and aware

    thanks Jodi :~)
    LunaJune recently posted..Soul SongsMy Profile

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