Being clear on why you want to meditate serves as a motivator to stick with the habit. Regular meditation offers several potential benefits to retirees, including:
Think about the outcomes you want from a regular meditation practice. For instance, perhaps you're feeling stressed with retirement decisions you need to make, such as Social Security benefits and living arrangements. Your goal for meditation might be to feel more relaxed and less anxious about those decisions.
Meditation comes in many forms. Finding the type that works for you increases your chances of sticking to the habit. A few options to consider include:
You can meditate with nothing but yourself. However, having some tools on hand may help you improve your practice. A comfortable pillow to sit on is one example. Being comfortable helps you relax and focus on the meditation rather than your discomfort.
If you want to do guided meditation, scout out some recorded meditation sessions to find ones that appeal to you. Having a portable speaker on hand is beneficial to ensure you hear the meditation well. Recorded meditations act as a natural timer for you. If you're meditating on your own, you might want a separate timer to keep track of how long you meditate.
Some people enjoy using essential oils or other aromatherapy tools during meditation. Experiment with different scents to identify which fragrances enhance your meditation practice. Lavender and lemon balm are two calming scents to consider.
A calm, distraction-free space supports your meditation practice. If possible, have a space that's always available to make meditation easier without the need to set up every time. For example, place a comfortable armchair in your bedroom with cozy pillows. When you meditate, head to the chair and start your practice. Keep any tools or accessories you use near that area for faster setup.
Even though you don't have to clock in for work anymore, your retirement years are often still busy. Residents of Cambridge Court stay occupied attending scheduled activities, going on outings and taking advantage of on-site amenities. When you're constantly on the go, it's easy to forget about your meditation practice.
Write your meditation time on your calendar each day to set aside that time. Choose a time slot that's less hectic and has a lower chance of conflicts. Consider when you feel most at ease and focused to improve the success of your meditation.
If you find yourself resisting meditation, reflect on the barriers that keep you from embracing the practice. Some potential roadblocks include:
Look for ways to overcome those issues. For instance, if you have limited mobility, sitting on the floor with your legs crossed might be challenging. However, you don't have to sit in a particular place or in a specific way to meditate. Find a comfortable position that works for you and start your meditation practice that way.
Instead of sitting and focusing on a particular subject for an extended period, start slow with just a few minutes of meditation per day. It helps you get into the habit of doing something every day while keeping it short and manageable. Add a few minutes to your routine each week as you become more comfortable with meditating.
Consider sharing your meditation skills with your neighbors at Cambridge Court. It's a great way to build community, which fends off loneliness, stimulates you mentally and gives you a support system for challenging times. Plus, you get to share your knowledge of meditation so others can enjoy the same benefits.
If you don't feel comfortable leading a meditation session with your friends, use a guided meditation recording. Invite everyone to wear comfortable clothes and bring a pillow or another comfortable item for the meditation session.
You can also get others involved simply by finding an accountability partner. Look for someone else who meditates or does similar mindfulness practices. Check in with each other daily to ensure you both remember and take time to practice.
