Everyone tells you that meditation will relax you.  But what they don’t often tell you is that the relaxing can take its sweet-ass time.

This is probably one of the reasons that so many people have difficulty sticking with meditation: they don’t sense any immediate or somewhat near-term benefits, so they stop.  I can relate to this… after all, meditation becomes another thing “to do” and if the benefits aren’t clear, you are compelled to prioritize your time. And then you end up stopping.

Here is what I’ve learned this past week… the benefits of meditation can take a while.  I am just now getting it, after a few weeks of restarting this practice.  But a note to everyone who recommends meditation as de-stresser: tell people it might take some time.  This sets clear expectations and it will reduce frustration for the neophytes who feel like they aren’t “doing it right.”

I could not believe how relaxed I felt this week.  It will come to you.  Don’t give up, accept that it may take some time, and allow yourself to be OKAY with it.

Namaste.