I often hear, even from myself lately, "I don't have time to meditate."  Meditation is sometimes thought of as a task that requires a great deal of time where you are doing "nothing" (of course we know that meditation is certainly NOT nothing, but when we're short on time, it seems to enter the category of non-essential functions), must be completely still and silent and have zero interruptions.  Obviously, that is the ideal practice of meditation and should be done as much as you can.  However, a busy day doesn't have to mean you don't access meditative space.  Here are some things I've implemented in the past when I was running my business, working another job full time, working on my Masters Degree full time and, oh, by the way, trying to raise children and be some sort of partner to my husband.  Interestingly, though my outside life has calmed considerably, my inner self feels just as busy and discombobulated as I felt then (the Universe isn't giving me a pass on dealing with things I was cued into then. . .not shocking really, but it makes me feel a little like a child who was caught stuffing the mess under the bed instead of really cleaning her room. :))  Anyway, so I have to implement some of these practices now as well, in order to add as much meditative space to my day as possible as I work through this block.

1)  Meditate in the shower.  Imagine that the water is beautiful, loving light (Reiki if you'd like) flowing down on you.  As thoughts come in, let them wash down the drain.  Tune into the white noise of the water.  As you wash, do so mindfully.  When you turn off the water, stand for a moment and take some deep, cleansing breaths.  Hold the intention of keeping this warm, peaceful feeling with you throughout the day.

2) Drive in the moment.  Of course, meditating while driving is not advised!  However, you can find calm, meditative space while in the car.  It's a great time to do so, actually.  The first thing is to turn off the radio and if at all possible, turn off the Blu-Tooth, the GPS and/or whatever device you use.  Then, don't think about where you're coming from or your destination (i.e. don't be fretting about what you'll say when you get to your destination, etc.  In fact, you'll probably be better off by clearing your mind for the drive than working yourself up over whatever awaits you).  Notice your surroundings in a positive way.  Try to notice things you haven't before, even if it's just really feeling how the road feels under you as you drive or the particular sounds of your car.  And if someone cuts you off, just let them be.  There's nothing you can do about it once it's done, so why get all worked up? 

3) Go to the bathroom. It's not ideal, but if you are so busy that you don't think you can take a few moments to de-stress and find calm, head to the head.  Everyone has to go at some point in the day, so while you're there, you may as well make the most of it. Like the drive, just be in the moment on the way there (if possible, but definitely on the way back when you are not rushed).  Imagine that with every step you are filled with beautiful, loving, peaceful energy which will assist you in your busy day.  Gather this light as you walk. If there are any amenities in the bathroom such as a comfy chair or a mint, take advantage of it for a minute.  Run your wrists under cool water to refresh. Leave anything that's happening at your desk or wherever you came from.  It's certainly going to be there when you return, which will be in moments, so no need to be stressing in the bathroom.  

4) Drink.  Water, that is.  If you have Reiki, charge your water bottle.  If you don't, simply imagine that the water is full of peaceful, loving energy and as you take a sip, this energy enters you and flows throughout you.  Feel the water enter your mouth and go down to your belly.  Know that you are helping your body heal with every sip.   Lift the bottle slowly and take a deep breath as you do.  Enter a calm, peaceful moment.

5) Finally, infuse each task with meditative energy.  If you have to walk to the copier, use the walk to enter a peaceful state.  Take the moments between when you dial a phone number and when the person picks up to take a breath and enter that calm space.  Make it a little game with yourself to make as many tasks in your day as meditative as possible. 

Have fun and let me know what YOU do to hold peace throughout your busy days!!

With Love and Light,

Lauren