Former monk Jay Shetty says this might be the perfect time for YOU to start meditating. Take this world crisis as an opportunity brought to us by the Universe to take time to look within. Generally, the world is a busy place with so little time to think about what we’re really feeling and who we are. Being stuck indoors is not what we’re used to, but it’s also a brilliant chance to self-reflect. I also think it’s safe to say that the Coronavirus has created quite a bit of stress overall. So, like the former monk says, let’s start to meditate.
Most times people would complain about not being able to focus or have the time to meditate. Well, now because they’re stuck at home, there’s nothing but time. You can’t use that excuse any longer. This is also a time when we must keep our immune systems strong and if we allow our bodies to get too stressed then we will just end up sick. Former monk Jay Shetty says that meditation is the best way to stay relaxed and sane during the coronavirus pandemic.
Former Monk Recommends Meditation
Jay Shetty is a former Monk turned host, storyteller and viral content creator, was named one of Forbes Europe’s 30 under 30 for Media in 2017. He says that he knows a lot of people are feeling alone right now. The former monk explains that in his language, they only have one word for being alone, and it’s called loneliness.
Moreover, Jay says that it sounds like a weakness. It sounds like we need the company to be happy. However, that’s not necessarily true. The former monk says he’s learned that there’s another word that describes this, and it’s called solitude. Solitude is the strength of being alone. It’s where we become our best company.
We just had to share this statement because it’s a really encouraging affirmation to bring light to the situation. Sometimes choosing to self-isolate is a good thing because it’s the time you have to fully invest in what’s most important. YOU.
A Few Ways You Can Find Relaxation Within
Just because you’re forced into a time of solitude, it does not make you weak because you feel lonely. Remember, it will only make you stronger, and there’s peace of mind in knowing that. In times of uncertainty and discomfort, we’re forced outside what we’re used to. So don’t beat yourself up if you’re feeling a bit lonely, frustrated, stuck, or even lonely. You’re not alone, and you’re not in this situation forever. This is why you really need to utilize this time to its fullest.
It’s not every day that the world literally stops for you.
Fortunately, former Monk Jay Shetty has some simple techniques you can use to calm your nerves and make peace of the situation.
Here’s what former monk Jay Shetty recommends:
1. Do one thing a day that makes you happy.
Instead of fighting this time and feeling lonely and isolated. Rather, choose to embrace the feeling of solitude. To do this, Jay says people could try doing at least one thing daily that brings them joy, whether that’s reading a book, learning something new, trying a new instrument, or beginning a creative project.
There are so many unique tasks you can do to keep your brain stimulated and your body relaxed. Whatever you do, don’t just loll around all day because the novelty will wear off eventually. Also, it doesn’t matter what you end up doing, just go and do it. Create. Move. Share. Not that you have to read if you don’t enjoy it, but it’s a chance to get creative and induce your passions.
2. Make Your Space Beautiful
Okay, so the good part is you’re done with the most challenging steps in the process. Shifting your mindset is not an easy task – but it’s possible when you tell your brain to think a certain way enough times.
Jay Shetty says that once you’ve changed the way you think about self-quarantine, it’s time to change the space you’re in. Your environment directly affects how you’re feeling. Remember, you’re more likely to enter deep meditation when you’re happy with the space you’re in.
Jay has four tips to guarantee an environment that’s ‘inspiring and energizing.’
- Change the sights, sounds, and scents of the place you’re in.
- Create or get a painting and make it the first thing you see in the morning. He says that you should surround yourself with colors and bright things that bring positivity.
- Change the sounds that you hear. Jay says, perhaps you can go to sleep listening to nature sounds or calming sounds. Maybe you can play the music that you really enjoy throughout the day, that keeps your energy up.
- Incorporate new scents into your home. What you smell has a big impact on how you feel.
If you really want to relax, then the former Monk recommends lighting a candle with a calming scent, like lavender, or setting up a diffuser if you own one. At least, these are relatively simple ways to make your space more relaxing. It’s not like you have to renovate your whole house, but it’s always good to rearrange and change things around.
3. Give Meditation a Try
We know that learning to meditate is not an easy task for many. However, we really do think it’s a great time for you to try. Thankfully, former Monk Jay Shetty can walk you through an easy, at-home meditation that can help you feel calm and grounded.
He says that you can start by placing your right palm on your heart and your left palm on your stomach. Then you need to breathe in for four counts. Hold it in for four counts and then breathe out for a count of more than four, then repeat the exercise.
He says you should focus on breathing in calm, peace, and stillness and breathe out any negative toxic energy and anxiety. After several repetitions of the exercise, you should be feeling a ‘kind of Zen.’
If you’d like more guided meditations with the former Monk, Shetty, then go visit his Instagram or Facebook pages. He’s going to be leading guided mediation daily for the next three weeks.
Want to know more?
Protect your emotional and mental health during this crazy time because let’s face it. Social distancing and living in isolation can get tough. Here’s why you need to keep yourselves busy – so that the mind doesn’t wander off on you.
References
Former monk Jay Shetty shares ways to relax during self-isolation. Today. https://www.today.com/health/jay-shetty-shares-3-ways-relax-during-self-isolation-t176507
My Story. Jay Shetty. https://jayshetty.me/my-story/
