In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself compelled to explore meditation—a decision that turned out to be far more beneficial than I had anticipated. Initially, I envisioned a tranquil scene, sitting cross-legged in a serene meadow, fully at peace with the universe. However, the reality was quite different. Like many parents, my days were filled with the chaos of home schooling and the overwhelming anxiety that came with the pandemic.
My journey into meditation began unexpectedly after I stumbled upon a promotion for a free month of the Waking Up meditation app by Sam Harris on social media. A friend had been encouraging me to give it a shot, emphasizing how much she valued the app’s approach. I figured there was no harm in trying it out.
The app features a reminder function to encourage regular practice. In the beginning, I found myself dismissing the notifications with good intentions, only to forget about them moments later. Eventually, I committed to sitting down for just ten minutes to listen and breathe. My dog joined me in my lap, and I thought, “Is this allowed?” Simultaneously, my son practiced guitar in the next room, but I decided to embrace the noise. The first guided session focused on breathwork, and Sam’s gentle reminders to refocus my attention on my breath resonated with me.
Initially skeptical, I chalked up the calm I felt afterward to mere suggestion. Yet, I continued meditating—albeit irregularly, due to the usual chaos of life. Each session, whether five or ten minutes long, consistently brought me a sense of tranquility. I learned that distraction and noise are perfectly acceptable aspects of meditation, as noted in one of the app’s sessions, which encouraged focusing on external sounds as a point of concentration.
Interestingly, I discovered that meditation could coalesce seamlessly with the demands of motherhood. Recently, when my daughter interrupted me mid-session, I invited her to join for the remaining five minutes. Together, we focused on our breathing, despite the dog’s antics and my son’s outbursts from his video game. Research supports meditation’s positive impact on various aspects of life. A Harvard study found that participants who engaged in daily meditation for eight weeks experienced changes in gene expression related to inflammation and blood pressure reduction. Other studies suggest that consistent meditation can lead to structural changes in the brain, potentially slowing age-related deterioration.
While I am not measuring my brain’s response to meditation with MRIs, I can certainly attest to its calming effects. My anxiety often manifests as a tightness in my chest, but during meditation, this sensation is noticeably alleviated. On days when I meditate, I feel more grounded and present, realizing that while much is beyond my control, there are still aspects I can manage—like choosing to prepare healthy meals or mediating disagreements between my children. I can either succumb to panic over uncertainty or accept it gracefully.
I may not be meditating “correctly” by traditional standards. My environment is noisy, my thoughts drift, and I often feel the urge to cough. Yet, simply acknowledging my thoughts without judgment and returning my focus to my breath, regardless of distractions, proves beneficial. If you’re intrigued by meditation, consider exploring a few recommended apps. It’s worth noting that while some popular meditation apps come with fees, they are generally ad-free to enhance your experience. For example, Waking Up offers a free trial with an annual subscription, while Headspace and Smiling Mind have different pricing structures. For those looking for a free option, Insight Timer is highly regarded.
In summary, my experience with meditation during this tumultuous time has underscored its potential to cultivate calm amidst chaos. By allowing myself a few moments of focused breathing, I have found a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of life as a parent during a global crisis.
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