When it comes to writing, we all need a break every now and then. Not just from the computer and staring at the bright, blank screen, but from thinking as well. That’s where meditation comes in.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a practice where you focus your mind and zero-in on a particular thought or clear your mind. It’s a relaxing technique to help you feel calm and get back to life with a clean slate. It’s to make sure your mind is in a stable state.
There are various ways to meditate and you can do it just about anywhere – however, a quiet place where you’re alone is the best option. You can do it for as long or as short as you need it. Sometimes all it takes it a couple of deep breaths to get you back on track.
Why is Meditation Good for Writers?
Meditation is good for writers because we’re constantly thinking all day. We’re staring at a computer screen, we’re arguing with fictional characters. We can hit a bout of writer’s block or we can get interrupted many times throughout the day as we write. Sometimes we have the urge to write and other times we don’t.
Meditation is a great way to step back and look at the whole picture. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the editing process, just take a step back for even five or ten minutes. Take a quick break. And I don’t mean bathroom break. Relax your mind and stretch your body.
Different Ways to Meditate
Close your eyes and breathe
It sounds boring, but it’s honestly not. Sometimes if I get overwhelmed or if I’ve been working for too long, I sit on the floor with my back straight, shoulders back, and close my eyes. I don’t sit for too long. I usually take 5-10 deep breaths – in through my nose, out through my mouth. It rests my eyes, clears my mind, and stretches my back out a bit.
It helps to lie down as well. If you end up falling asleep and taking a nap, then that’s probably a good thing. I feel like sleep is the one thing we tend to give up depending on how busy we are.
Listen to music
Most of us listen to music all the time anyway. We jam out to our favorite songs on Spotify or YouTube. However, sometimes you need to sit back and really listen to the music. I personally like instrumental or classical music. I especially love the violin. If you’re short on time, just listen to two songs. That’s roughly 5-6 minutes anyway.
Take a walk
I know, when you think of “meditation” you think of sitting with your eyes closed and breathing deeply. The truth is, meditation is all around us – as long as we’re relaxing, we’re meditating in our own way.
Taking a walk is a great way to not only clear your mind – because you should be taking in the beauty of nature – but it also gives your legs and back a good stretch. Not to mention the fresh air will do wonders.
Overall
Meditation isn’t as daunting as the word makes it sound. I think we all have one definition of meditation in mind. There are many different forms of meditation – the word and practice come from different places – but not all meditation is the same. Just remember, clear your mind and remember to breathe. Writing isn’t an easy task and neither are the stages that come after.
You’ll get there and you’ll mind will be fresh when you do.
Do you practice any form of meditation? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below. If you liked this post, please share it around.
Amazon | Patreon | Fiverr | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | GoodReads | Double Jump
