If I had a $ or £ for every time I heard someone say, "I can't meditate, my mind is too busy," I'd be sipping cocktails on a tropical beach by now. The truth is, meditation isn’t about sitting in perfect stillness, levitating in a mystical trance, or achieving enlightenment overnight. It’s about learning to navigate the chaos of everyday life — burning your toast, leaving the house late because you got distracted (again), and running around like a hamster on a wheel. Life is annoying. But meditation? That’s the pause button you didn’t know you needed.
When I First Started…
When I first started meditating, it felt like torture. Sitting still was hard, and my mind was like a rebellious teenager — thoughts flooding in about what to cook for dinner, whether I'd left the iron on (even when I hadn’t used it), or remembering that embarrassing thing I did 10 years ago. I’d get frustrated, thinking meditation was supposed to make me feel Zen, but instead, it just made me squirm. I used to think I wasn’t ‘doing it right’ because I couldn’t clear my mind. But after years of persistence, I realised — there’s no ‘perfect’ in meditation. It’s not about sitting still perfectly or emptying your mind; it’s about showing up, even if your mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. 
Some days, I sit in peaceful bliss, feeling like an ancient guru. It took years before I could sit still without fidgeting like a toddler on a sugar rush. And even now, depending on what life’s throwing at me, some days are harder than others. But here’s the thing: even if I only manage a few deep breaths, it still makes a difference. Just standing still, closing my eyes, inhaling and exhaling deeply changes the way my body feels, it’s like a reset button for my entire mood. It’s a small but powerful act of self-care.
So, if you’re struggling, just know that even those of us who preach about mindfulness have our moments of frustration. Just take a breath, let it go, and try again. And maybe, just maybe, one day, we’ll finally stop burning our toast.
The Relentless Search for ‘More’
As humans, we’re wired to want more. More success, more love, more money, more Instagram followers. But the problem with ‘more’ is that it never ends. There’s always something else to chase.
Think about the last time you got something you really wanted — maybe a new job, a promotion, or the latest gadget. For a while, life felt amazing. You basked in that post-achievement glow. But then, without realising it, the excitement faded. Suddenly, you were looking for the next thing, feeling that niggling sense of dissatisfaction creep back in. That’s because external wins only bring temporary happiness. True contentment? That comes from within. And that’s where meditation works its magic.
Life’s Emotional Rollercoaster
We all have moments when life feels overwhelming. Maybe you’re juggling work, family, and social obligations while running like Loralie in Gilmore Girls on caffeine and blind optimism. Maybe you’re dealing with heartbreak, stress, or the sheer exhaustion of just existing as an adult.
Instead of feeling everything all at once, meditation teaches you to step back and observe. Imagine standing on a busy train platform, watching the trains (thoughts) go by. You don’t have to jump on every single thought. Some are going in the wrong direction anyway. Meditation helps you realise that your thoughts and emotions aren’t you — they’re just passing experiences.
The Myth of the Perfect Meditator
People assume that meditation is about emptying the mind completely. Spoiler: IT’S NOT! Even the most experienced meditators have thoughts popping in and out. The trick isn’t to fight them but to acknowledge them and let them drift away like floating clouds.
It’s like going to the gym. The first few sessions feel impossible, and you spend most of the time questioning your life choices. But over time, you build mental muscles. You learn to sit with discomfort instead of immediately distracting yourself. You start to notice when your mind spirals into negativity and gently pull yourself back. That’s progress.
Real-Life Examples of Meditation in Action
Let’s get practical. You don’t have to meditate for hours to see the benefits. Here are some everyday scenarios where mindfulness can make a difference:
- Morning Madness – Instead of rushing out the door with coffee in one hand and mismatched socks, take 60 seconds to breathe deeply before starting your day. It sets a calmer tone.
- The Traffic Jam Test – Stuck in gridlock? Instead of swearing at the driver in front (who definitely isn’t moving any faster), use the time to take slow, mindful breaths. It won’t clear the road, but it’ll clear your head.
- The Email Overload – Before responding to that passive-aggressive email, pause. Breathe. Then respond with clarity instead of reacting emotionally.
- The ‘Hangry’ Outburst – If you’re about to snap because your takeaway is taking too long, take a few deep breaths. It’s either that or start a food-related war.
The Beauty of Letting Go
Meditation teaches you that you can’t control everything. People will annoy you, plans will fall apart, and sometimes life will feel like an endless loop of minor inconveniences. But you can control how you respond.
When you’re less reactive, life feels lighter. You stop taking things so personally. You become more present in conversations. You appreciate the little moments — a cup of tea, a laugh with a friend, the warmth of the sun on your face.
Benefits of Mediation
- Reduced Stress
- Emotional Balance
- Increased Focus
- Reduced Pain
- Reduced Anxiety
- Increased Creativity
- Reduced Depression
- Increased Memory
How Do I Meditate?
I've talked about the pros of meditation, and now you're probably wondering: how do I actually do it?
It's really very simple. Here’s how:
- Close your eyes.
- Take a deep breath in through your nose and slowly breathe out through your mouth.
- Now do that 4 times — and voilà, you’re meditating.
My favourite technique is:
- Take a deep breath in through your nose to the count of 4
- Hold it for 6, and then
- Slowly breathe out to the count of 8.
- Repeat this 6 times
This will help set your nervous system into a more relaxed state, reducing stress and promoting calmness. It’s a simple trick, but it works wonders for keeping you grounded when life’s chaos starts to take over. I especially use this method when I have trouble sleeping and my brain is overactive, and it just won’t stop. It really relaxes me and works better than counting sheep!
Takeaway
Meditation isn’t about being good at sitting still. It’s about training your mind to handle life better. And trust me, that’s worth the effort. So next time you’re caught up in stress, frustration, or self-doubt, just pause. Take a deep breath. And remind yourself — you don’t have to get on every train of thought. Some of them are best left at the station.
Give it a go. Worst case? You spend a few minutes breathing deeply.
Best case? YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
