How practising meditation turned me from a mindfulness cynic to an enthusiast

“Just keep showing up for yourself, and you’ll see the benefits over time.”

I’ve always been a sucker for quick fixes, instant gratification and treating myself. Whether it’s eating better, working out more or limiting my screen time, I’ve always come up short when trying to cultivate these long-term healthy habits. I’ve decided to change that.

One practice that’s always piqued my interest is meditation. As someone with a mind that runs a million miles a minute and a mouth that runs even faster, I figured some quiet time might do me good. So, I decided to give it a shot.

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A friend suggested I start with an introduction on Headspace, one of the countless meditation apps available for beginners and aficionados alike. I’ll be honest – at first, it felt like a chore. It was tedious. Incredibly annoying. Inconvenient even! For the first few minutes of my introductory sessions, my blood was boiling. I was huffing and puffing and fidgeting, resigned to the fact that this simply would not work for me.

But something changed after about a week. I started meditating every morning, and I noticed a real shift in how I felt. I felt more energised, more focused and more at peace. After a few weeks, I genuinely felt it was making a bigger impact than my morning coffee. Talking to Carly Dober, a psychologist based in Melbourne, shed some light on why meditation was having such a profound effect on me.

According to Carly, meditation isn’t just about sitting in silence, it’s about taking care of your whole self. “It’s not just about feeling relaxed,” she explains. “It can actually have some pretty big benefits for your physical and mental health.” Meditation can help with everything from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and boosting your immune system. “It’s pretty cool stuff,” she says.

But Carly also makes it clear that meditation isn’t about shutting off your brain completely. “A lot of people think you have to be totally zen to meditate, but that’s not true,” she tells me. “It’s more about being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them.”

It’s also important not to overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations at the beginning of your journey. “It’s all about taking it one step at a time,” Carly advises. “Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you feel comfortable.

“Creating the right environment can make a big difference. Find a spot where you can sit comfortably without distractions, whether it’s a cozy corner of your home or a peaceful outdoor setting. Dimming the lights, playing soothing music or lighting a candle can also help set the mood for a more immersive meditation experience.”

What matters most is finding what works for you

There are so many different ways to practise meditation, but according to Carly, there’s “No right way… it’s all about finding what feels good for you and sticking with it”. For me, that meant starting small and not putting too much pressure on myself.

Carly suggested I try guided meditations to help me stay focused, and it made a huge difference. “Guided meditations can be really helpful, especially when you’re just starting out. They give you something to focus on and can help keep your mind from wandering too much.”

As I continued to meditate every day, I started to notice more and more benefits. I felt calmer, more centred and more present in my daily life. And while I still have days where meditation feels like a struggle, I know it’s all part of the process.

“Meditation is a practice, not a perfect,” Carly says. “Just keep showing up for yourself, and you’ll see the benefits over time.” And she was right. As I’ve continued to meditate, I’ve noticed a real change in my mood and energy levels. I’ve been far more productive and able to achieve my goals.

As somewhat of a cynic when it comes to mindfulness practices, I’m genuinely impressed, and even slightly peeved, that it’s worked so well for me. So if you’ve ever been curious about meditation but weren’t sure where to start, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised at the difference it can make in your life.

For more on the benefits of meditation, head here.