Mindful & Imperfect: My Experience with Meditation

In a world that often glorifies perfection, the idea of meditation can seem reserved for those who have it all figured out. When you picture meditation in your mind, the very idea may conjure images of a perfectly serene guru sitting “criss-cross applesauce” in the middle of nature, completely at-one with their surroundings. While beautiful and idyllic, I've found my own mindfulness practice has revealed an unexpected truth – meditation is a powerful tool… even (and especially) for imperfect individuals like me.

Overcoming Anxiety

I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. My body likes to send me into “fight-or-flight” mode over things like being late, having "too much" or "not enough" to do, not getting enough sleep, or just having to be a responsible human with a job and a family. One of the most profound impacts of meditation in my life has been its ability to help me navigate anxiety. Contrary to the belief that meditation is exclusively for those with a Zen-like demeanor, it has provided me with a practical and accessible way to manage my anxious thoughts. Through consistent practice, I've learned to observe and be aware of my worries, gaining a sense of calm and control that I never thought possible. I will not claim meditation alone has cured me, as that is not the case, but it is one of the tools I frequently use in addition to doctor-prescribed medication to calm my high-stress situations. That brings me to my next point.

Stress Management

Life is unpredictable, and none of us are immune to stress. Meditation has become my sanctuary amid life's chaos. Rather than being a practice reserved for the flawless, meditation is a refuge for imperfect souls like myself, and practicing it, rather than trying to be perfect at it, reminds me of my humanity. It has gifted me with a resilience that allows me to face stressors with a newfound sense of composure and clarity. And, even if I end up losing it a little more often than I'd like, I continue to practice because practice, as they say, makes progress.

Teaching Emotional Regulation to Kids

Perhaps the most surprising revelation on my meditation journey has been its impact on my role as a parent. I don’t believe in modeling unrealistic expectations for them: I am an imperfect person and I think sharing that with them helps them understand they don’t have to be perfect, either. Far from being an exclusive practice for the faultless, meditation has become a valuable tool in teaching my children how to self-regulate their emotions. I show them that their feelings are valid, their frustrations are shared, and they are not alone in feeling super frustrated because something isn’t going their way. On the contrary, I show them that I also feel the same feelings, and let them know the tools I use to self-regulate so I’m not having a full meltdown in the grocery store like they do when I want ice cream and it just isn’t on the list. Through simple mindfulness exercises, they too are learning to navigate life's challenges with grace. Or, as much grace as you can have when you're 6 and 7 years old.

Through meditation, I've discovered a semblance of control when faced with life's imperfections – a respite where anxiety lessens, stress loses its grip, and the journey towards self-improvement doesn't seem so daunting. As someone who once held misconceptions about its exclusivity, I now advocate for its inclusivity. Meditation is not a pursuit for the perfect; it's a gift we can all give ourselves, imperfections and all.