Do you ever feel like people might judge you if you meditate?
Sometimes it’s scary to try something new that doesn’t necessarily jive with your current crowd.
Naturally, we all seek validation, acceptance, and approval from the important people in our life.
I was intrigued when so many of my new clients expressed embarrassment and fear around trying to meditate. It wasn’t because they weren’t open-minded to try it. They were scared their spouse, kids, mom or best friends would think they are weird.
I remember the first time I sat down to meditate in my two bedroom condo nearly 9 years ago. I was nervous and scared what my husband would think of me.
It took me awhile to gather the courage to tell him what I was doing. I was surprised he wasn’t phased by it.
You don’t think I’m this weird wanna be spiritual guru or hippie striving for a born-again moment? Sweeett..
When we are willing to try meditation, we acknowledge there is something we are missing in life. Whether the inner peace, lack of emotional balance or relaxation. Something is not working in our life.
Shortly after, I started attending Buddhist meditation classes on Friday nights and I was surprised, Chirag joined me for a few of them.
If you feel apprehensive to try meditation- I totally get it.
I want you to feel supported and this week’s blog is all about helping you take three baby steps to overcome the fear of meditation.
step one: uncover YOUR FEAR OF MEDITATION
Yes, fear of meditation is a REAL thing. Growing, changing and evolving is scary because we enter the unknown. Pinpointing the fear you have is crucial to overcoming it. In my experience of coaching mamas, here are the most common fears that come up
Fear of what others think
Fear of failure/you’ll do it wrong
Fear of change and living behind the people important in your life
Fear it wont work
Fear you wont have time
Fear of the greatest of who you can be if you embrace stillness, quiet and peace in your life.
step two: WHO IS THE JUDGMENTAL PERSOn?
Once you’ve acknowledged the fear, see if there is a person in particular whose opinion or voice is stuck in your head. It’s the person’s whose approval or disapproval affects you the most. Once you’re clear about the person who will judge you. Move onto step three.
step three: Find Your Safe Place
We have to remember that we don’t have to share everything with others. Especially if we aren’t confident enough to protect ourselves.
Practice when nobody is home. When nobody is watching in a safe place. If that means your office with the door closed. When the kids are at school. In the bathroom or shower. Wherever you are alone and nobody is going to bother you or see you.
You don’t have to tell people until you’re ready and form your own opinion.
Now I want to hear from you,
Share with me what is your greatest reservation or fear from trying to meditate?
I’d love to help you overcome your fear if you want to try meditation but don’t know where to start.
It’s uncomfortable to change when the people around you aren’t embracing that change. It’s easier to remain stuck in the same familiar patterns, even though you know you can be a better person, and you have this deep yearning to feel more peace.
As Marianne Willamson says in “A Return To Love” says
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Give yourself the opportunity to be your greatest self. Peace is not the destination it is the fuel that helps you become a better mom, wife, and woman.
Trying new things is daunting and if you want a certified meditation teacher who is a mom and totally gets what you are going through, I invite you to join me for my FREE RESET 5 DAY Mindfulness Experience.
You’ll have a safe community with other mindful mamas who want to try mindfulness and meditation out too.
Plus if you have any fears or concerns, I’ll help support you in our private Reset members only Facebook tribe.
This 3 step reset plan I teach is the exact formula in The Mindful Mama Experience course I’ve created. If you love the 5-day experience, you’ll have the opportunity to join me for an extended 6-week group coaching journey. The details of the course will be available during the week of the challenge.
I honor your courage. I hope I have the honor to serve you and bring meditation into your life.
xoxo
