Taste Life Blog

I have been meditating on and off since I was in high school (I’m dating myself now – that’s nearly 37 years!) I learned Transcendental Meditation (I have an older cousin who introduced me to it).

 

Benefits for me include more energy, greater creativity, and feeling less stress. There have been times when life gets real busy, and I don’t schedule it in my day. It’s like riding a bicycle – you don’t forget how to do it, and you can always go back to it.

Sonja Stetzler, MA, CPC, RDN// www.effectiveconnecting.com

 

I meditate because it helps me be more aware of the joy and beauty in my life. It’s probably the best daily investment I make in my health and self-care. The type of meditation depends on the day–the most common practices I use are silent meditation, guided imagery, metta “loving kindness” meditation, or walking meditations…rarely are two days the same, and it all depends on my mood. I have a link to a huge range of meditations on my website

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD// www.harriswholehealth.com

 

My default is to be in my head, thoughts spinning, in an effort to out-run my anxieties. So I meditate in an effort to be more attuned to my body & my feelings, and to help train the wild horse that is my mind.  I have read many books and spoken with a few experts. And just follow their instructions, mixed with my own ideas of what works for me. I do not use a CD, or app. Just myself. I use mindfulness meditation to accept my feelings and the present moment, and I use concentration meditation to bring my mind back to one thing (my breath for example) over and over.

Dianne Rishikof, MS, RDN, LDN

www.diannerishikof.com

 

 

I just started to meditate within the last year and it has been phenomenally beneficial to me!

“I have found that meditation has allowed me to remove some of the static in my mind (even for a few minutes) to allow seeds of growth and strength to take root and grow. I find that on the mornings I meditate before I start my day I am more focused and inspired, and if I meditate at night, I fall asleep faster and wake more rested.”

I use a use an app on my phone called “Insight Timer” for my meditation time. I sit on the floor with a pillow in silence. Goal is 10minutes twice a day.

 

Sally Twellman RDN// www.twellmannutrition.com

 

I meditate to find clarity and peace in my life and business. It helps me make better decisions in my business that align with my values and find presence in my time with clients and myself.

I mostly meditate by using breath work or mantras, as well as the app Lucent on my iPhone.

Lauren Fowler, RDN, CD, CLT// http://mindfulmealsblog.com

With meditation – even just 5 minutes a day – I find greater clarity, calmness, and ability to tackle the impossible list of duties I have on a daily basis.

I started by meditating on my breath, simply counting to 10 with each inhalation and exhalation.  New to meditation, that was a task in itself to keep my mind focused even for those 10 breaths!  Once I had that, I was able to lengthen the count, then branch in to many different styles: walking meditation, silent breathing, listening to music, prayerful meditation, guided meditation, or even opening my eyes and simply gazing at something that I find beautiful, calming, or soul-touching.

Some of the resources I have enjoyed: Self-Realization Fellowship; Meditation Society of Australia; Meetup groups; the sounds of nature

Kate Campbell, RD, RYT

 

Each morning for 15-30 minutes I practice mindful breathing/meditation on my own.  I am an Integrative Health Coach and have been trained in mindful breathing (I also teach my clients in it if they are interested).  My morning mindfulness sessions are usual half meditation and the other half prayer. I find that the meditation helps to me to clear the clutter in my head before I pray. It also helps me to make more focused decisions regarding my family, work and life in general. It also helps me to be at my best (no matter what’s going on in my own life) when working with my clients.

Angela Lamberson, MS, RD, LDN, CDE// www.nutritionpair.com

 

I have been meditating since July 2004 and it has connected me with my inner being and find peace within. Meditation has not only helped me to be unanimous and non-judgmental but also have cordial relations with my family and friends. Patients open up their fears, anxieties and past traumatic experiences with ease probably because they sense a feeling of security and healing around them.

I meditate on breathe and awareness of sensation with a technique called Vipassana, I attend 10 day silent retreats once a year.  They have 9 centers and 8 non centers here in United States. The courses are free. They are popular and there could be a long wait list if you do not register well in advance.

Aarti Batavia. MS, RDN, CLT, IFMCP// www.aartibatavia.com

 

I do TM(Transidental Meditation). I learned in my 20’s back when it was only about $100 to learn the technique (now I think it cost 10 times that amount).  It is the only thing that every worked for me.  I have gone through periods in my life where I quit but have now been steady with it for the past 4-5 years.  I am a total believer in the power of meditation.

Meditation does not take away stress but allows me to cope better with stress.  With meditation I do not feel the physical impact of stress; I just experience it as an observer.

Joan B. Hogan, RD, CSR, CD, CLT// www.food4lifecounseling.com

I have incorporated a regular meditation practice for several years now.  I have created a quiet, calming space in my home that is dedicated to my meditation practice.  Just like it is recommended to have a bedtime routine to let your body know that it is time for sleep, I start every meditation with the same routine so that my body and mind are prepared for meditation.  I sit for about 20 minutes, give or take, and focus on my breath and a mantra, which is a succinct word or phrase that sets my intention for the day.

Meditation has had a profound effect on me, both personally and professionally.  I find that I move through my day with much more ease and grace, handing stressful situations calmly.  .  I am the type of person that wants to do and get involved with everything.  Meditation has allowed me to focus and prioritize better, letting the extraneous stuff fall away without feeling obligated.  I find that meditation also enables me to be more present in the moment throughout my day.

Rachel Begun MS RDN// www.rachelbegun.com