Sea Lions Do It and So Can You

In February I made it a goal to build a daily meditation practice. I've always meditated off and on, but I really wanted it to be something consistent because it is so beneficial and it just feels good. My goal, in the interest of being specific, said that I want to have meditated every single day without fail for 6 months before I called it a success. I started on February 20th so I'm supposing I"ll be congratulating myself in August. So far so good, but in July/August I'll be away from home for three weeks and then I'll really be tested.

Yesterday I was feeling very blah. It was just one of those days that everytime I had what I thought was a brilliant plan the Universe slapped me down. Eventually I just put on my pajamas and sat down to meditate. Almost immediately, I felt myself smile. At that point I realized - for me - it is impossible to be sad or unhappy in meditation. It is an instant pick me up. Awesome.

If you've never meditated, I suggest you give it a really good try. I know at first it can be weird and boring, but it does get easier and nicer. I mean look at this sea lion - he looks pretty content. I like to think he was riding waves of bliss when I took this picture. Wouldn't you like to be as awesome as this sea lion?

Try it right now. Give it 5 minutes. Get comfortable... it doesn't have to be lotus pose or anything... just sit. Put your hands in your lap or on your knees. Close your eyes and just watch your breath. Count them if you feel inclined. Soften your skin, relax your jaw, soften your eyelids and just breathe.