Balanced Mama: How Meditation Saved Me

I used to practice yoga on a regular basis before I had my son. I started it because I enjoyed the exercise and how my body changed and moved differently in every class. But I soon began to realize that my favorite part of the class wasn’t the actual yoga, it was the meditation at the end: five minutes of lying down, of quiet time. My life is different now; I can’t get five minutes to go to the bathroom now but I have found my sanity again.

I was browsing through my phone and decided I needed some new apps to explore. On that day they were featuring meditation and relaxation apps. I looked through a few and stumbled upon one that caught my eye—guided meditation for the body, with the intention to improve mindfulness with the soul. It was like my phone knew exactly what I needed!

Many people think meditation involves prayer or religion, but it doesn’t. All it involves is getting your mind and body in sync. I know that in my life, my mind is always moving faster than my body. My mind is racing from one thing to the next, and my body can barely keep up. For me, meditation has allowed me to align these two, to slow down enough so that they are in sync and harmonious. Maybe you think meditation isn’t for you; you don’t want to chant or think in the dark; meditation is for people who do yoga or for people who read self-help books. But take it from someone who now feels more balanced: Meditation is for anyone who wants a break and needs to feel like a whole person again.

I started with no expectations and gave it a chance. The first three lessons were a game changer. How could three minutes of meditating feel like they changed my life, so quickly? I was able to sit quietly for three minutes and let my thoughts and worries pass by me with ease. I was able to actually hear my breath and learned to use my breath as a calming and relaxation technique. It was my time after a long, crazy day to unwind and listen to myself.

After doing meditation for several weeks, I have found that I awake more refreshed and at peace. I find myself not going to bed worried or anxious about the next day. Meditation has helped relieve the stress that we moms have everyday, and now I am able to channel my stress in a positive and calming way. I find myself breathing in and out throughout the day, and checking in with my mind and body. I feel more aware of myself and try to take care of my whole body and mind.

As moms, we need to be as balanced and centered as we can be so we can help our families grow and thrive. Meditation not only can help your mental health, but your physical health as well. If you are healthy and centered, you are being a great example for your family. Take a few minutes to quiet your mind and body, you will thank yourself and wonder why you didn’t try meditation sooner. 

Ashley Chan
Ashley was born and raised in North Texas and settled down in Frisco. She met her husband while playing intramural basketball at UNT. Ashley taught pre-k and then was a trainer for a technology company until having her two sweet boys. She loves cooking, going for walks with the whole family, and exploring new restaurants all over DFW. She's a hardcore Disney lover and loves to explore and travel with her family.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I go through phases with meditation, and was just thinking the other day it was time I picked it back up! Which app is it that you use? I’d like to give it a try!

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