Jill Mentiplay

Once upon a time, Meditation (to me) was some vague concept practiced by Monks and Hippies (possibly after smoking pot). It was all rather 'silly' and I 'didn't need that stuff in my life.' Life continued (aka I hit my 30s) and stuff happenen. Accidents, injuries, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, illness (mostly caused by all of the above). I discovered Yoga wasn't so 'silly' after all. I combined it with studies in Exercise Physiology, Pilates and specific training in rehabilitation of chronic pain and injuries. I focused on the PHYSICAL. I still didn't get the Meditation stuff. More life, more stress. Raising a child, running two fitness centres with 15+ staff (possibly the biggest trigger), working stupid hours in a high pressure IT role, taking 15+ classes per week, lots of nasty family/financial stuff happened and I was trying to be a wife/daughter/friend to all. On the surface I was bright and bubbly. In private I was a mess. Everything that happened was a personal attack, I cried a lot, wore makeup to cover the bags under my eyes, and lost all faith in people. So I accidentally did a Yoga Nidra (often referred to as Yoga Sleep) as part of a teacher training. I had the best 20 minute nap ever and wanted more. I thought the zoning out was meditation, and frankly that was what I needed most (SLEEP PEOPLE, it's important). But I'm (still) obsessive at times, and wanted to know more about why this worked so well. And down the rabbit hole I fell. I've learned that Meditation doesn't mean you are perfect and calm all the time. It doesn't mean lots of 'hippy language' and happy thoughts. You can have the best practice in the world and still fall 'off the wagon' (possibly for years at a time). Meditation DOES give you the ability to step back from the overwhelming. To carve out even a few moments of space, and to observe rather than attach to whats happening in your body and your mind. You learn to sweep up all the 'stuff' (thoughts, events, memories, feelings etc) into a pile and look at it impartially - without BEING the pile of stuff. You become connected with your purpose in life, which leaves you more in tune with decisions and life events take you towards or away from that special place you truly desire to be. In general everything becomes clearer and brighter. In short it's amazing at times. I'm now a mum of 3 well into my 40s, still with everyday dramas, bills, life issues and limited sleep. I still have physical tolls and injuries to manage. But I can hand on heart say Meditation has saved my life, kept me sane and guided me to the place I am now. I am me - not what I do, what others 'do to me' or the emotions that I feel. I know who I am and what I am. My purpose in life is to share this and the JOY of movement with others, like a light bursting out from the inside. Having taught others now for over 20 years I'm sure of this and it is what makes me content. Namaste Jill