Meditation, for me, has always been a radical reclaiming of who I wish to be and how I want to show up in the world. It’s a bold step to stop and say no to the distractions constantly pulling at our attention—people, things, social media, emails, messages. It's a conscious choice to recognize that we don't have to be swept along by societal norms and the expectations of others. We have the power to simply stop and be.

This concept challenges everything we're taught about productivity and success. Society tells us we need to be constantly doing, planning, and controlling our surroundings to reach our goals and to be somebody (whoever that is). Meditation offers a break from that mindset, those ideas. It allows us to commit to the most important relationship we will ever have: the relationship with ourselves.

We come into this world alone, and while we cherish and love the people in our lives—our children, family, friends—we ultimately leave this world alone too. Morbid, yes, a little—but true it is. Thus, the relationship with ourselves is paramount. It dictates our happiness, joy, and sense of wonder. It shapes how we view our lives and how, in fact, we experience our life.

The ability to stop and sit with ourselves, honoring this most sacred relationship, is incredibly important and, yes, I will say it—it is essential. Meditation is a commitment to ourselves, a declaration that this relationship transcends all other priorities.

I believe there is a common misconception about meditation—that it’s a time to find a blissful 15 or 20 minutes in our day. Often, meditation is not blissful. It can be at times confronting, raw, honest, and truthful. But it is also a chance to observe what is happening within us. It’s a time to recognize what is demanding our attention, and it shows us how present we are.

That 15 or 20 minutes (which is just about 1% of our day) profoundly impacts the remaining 99%. It affects how we show up for our children, our partners, our staff/co-workers, and how we feel about our lives. Meditation is a sacred commitment to ourselves. It's a time where we truly get to be with ourselves, a practice many find challenging but essential.

This practice is not something typically taught as kids. In fact, society often encourages the very opposite. Do more, keep going, push harder. However, for me, those 15 or 20 minutes are the most sacred part of my day. I believe we could redefine meditation not merely as a practice but as a sacred commitment—to ourselves and our well-being.

It's a small yet profound act of self-love; it's a gift to the most important relationship you'll ever have—the one with yourself.

Meditation provides an opportunity to reconnect with our inner selves, to reflect on our true desires and aspirations, and to realign with our core values. In a world that constantly demands more from us, taking this time to be still and introspective is an act of rebellion. It’s a declaration that our worth is not determined by our productivity or how well we meet external expectations, but by our inner peace and self-awareness.

As we cultivate this practice, we begin to notice subtle shifts in our daily lives. We become more mindful of our reactions, more attuned to our emotions, and more compassionate towards ourselves and others. The ripple effects of meditation extend far beyond those few minutes of stillness; they permeate every aspect of our being.

In essence, meditation is not just a practice—it’s a radical commitment to ourselves. It's an affirmation that our inner world deserves as much care and attention as the outer world. By dedicating this time to ourselves, we honor our intrinsic value and nurture our true essence. And in doing so, we empower ourselves to navigate the complexities of life with grace, resilience, and authenticity.

Be Brave

Step In

Jac 

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