It has been 20 days since I started my 70 day meditation challenge. So far, I have had no issues making time for meditation and it has become something I greatly look forward to. These 70 days are about exploration of meditative styles as well as experimenting with the time of day, length, location and other variables. My hope is that by the end of my challenge I will have developed a meditative practice that works best for me and is sustainable.

I’ve been doing what I love most which is researching and learning about types of meditative practices and their origins. I took an online class this week through the Science of Spirituality center that was a great overview and practice. I think I’d like to take an in-person class as well to gain that experience.

Something I’ve learned is that there are various types of meditation. Meditations can focus on breath, a mantra, the body, passing thoughts, and so much more. You can sit, lay, walk, read, and many other activities to be in a meditative state. So far, I’ve enjoyed insight or Vipassana mediation. I’ve noticed this type of meditation feels really good in the morning and it really opens up my creative mind. I try to meditate for at least 15 minutes as I have noticed that it feels more beneficial to sit for at least this long. I have found that sitting on a couch or chair with ottoman with my legs outstretched to be most comfortable.

Sometimes I feel that I am not completely sure what is supposed to happen during meditation. I think that is okay though. I’ve experienced a handful of experiences so far and I value each of them:

• Mind wandering to strange and random places
• Visions
• Creative ideas
• A deep breath that feels grounding
• An extreme peace – almost blacking out, but in a good way (kind of like sleep, but I wasn’t asleep)
• Letting go
• Realization of things I want to pursue

I look forward to my next 50 days and exploring more types of practice. I have read Sharon Salzberg’s book, Real Happiness: A 28-Day Program to Realize the Power of Mediation, but I have not actually done the meditations in the book. I think I may follow it in July to have that experience. If you are looking to learn more, I’d recommend her book and the following resources:

• Rich Roll Masterclass on Meditation
• Headspace App (free for educators)
• Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein
• Soul Boom with Serj Tankian