{Just Nine}

May resolution #2.
Spend nine minutes a day in meditation.

This is Chelsie inspired. She said meditation doesn't have to be

this big, complicated, tantric exercise. Rather, nine minutes a

day of simple form meditation can actually go a long way.

In her words:

"This simple act of focused meditation for a short period of

time can reduce stress hormones in the body, decrease

anxiety and help your overall mood. You may not have much

time, but nine minutes is all you need to create good change

in your mental health. You are worth it."

I've started meditating in the past, but I lacked discipline and

understanding of what to do. So, I always gave up on it. The

whole idea behind this goal -- start small and simple.

She said to focus on one thing with details. (i.e., imagine all the

clothes in your closet exactly as they hang -- one by one -- or

to imagine every single, little step required to do a project that

you do). I figure once I can focus entirely on one thing for the

entire nine minutes without other thoughts or distractions

creeping in, I'll add and adjust my thoughts, or lack thereof.

Sitting in silent concentration with still and straight posture

for nine minutes is harder then I thought it would be, but it's

totally doable with intent.

This month -- with company, finals and being in a funk the week

after finals -- I've had the worst start of the year on my monthly

resolutions. Not impressive. I'm finally getting some traction

now though, and I'm looking forward to following through with

my nine minutes of meditation a day for awhile. Anxious to see

if it makes a difference. After just a few days of it, I think it is.

Already!

Om...