Dr Astha Tomar is a psychiatrist who surprisingly says meditation doesn’t work for her…
Well that’s how the story was billed…
And it’s more surprising because Dr Tomar is President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
So surely she should meditate?
My husband flicked me the article last week (which I can’t share unfortunately as it’s behind a paywall) knowing I’d be intrigued.
But am I shocked by this revelation?
Well no, not really.
I always say meditation isn’t for everyone.
In this context, we’re talking about meditation as sitting in stillness and quiet.
But there are many types of meditation you can do…
And many different techniques.
Perhaps what’s more interesting (and still not really surprising) is to read what does work for Dr Tomar…
Mindfulness.
(Which is a type of meditation😉)
She starts most days with a run or walk – which is her mindfulness practice – as she says her thoughts settle through motion, not by sitting still.
But as she goes on to describe her intensely busy day, it’s interesting to note she takes regular breaks and micro-resets…
Ending a meeting five minutes early…
Taking a short pause between sessions…
Or stepping outside for a moment…
“When things feel too much, I make it a point to at least take 10 minutes and step outside,” she says.
I think this is what most of us forget to do…
If we have time to get a coffee…
We have time to stop.
Then look up…
And take a few deep breaths.
That’s sometimes all it takes.
Dr Tomar says her office sits beside green space…
I use it deliberately, whether that’s a quick power walk or sitting on a bench listening to the birds.
Ahhh listening to the birds.
A perfect example of mindfulness meditation.
In fact the more I read of the article, the more I see a similarity to my own practice.
I don’t sit and silently meditate in my meditation room every morning.
I do it when it feels right.
But every day I step outside…
I look at the trees…
I listen to the birds…
I take deep breaths.
Every day – without fail.
I might go on a walking (mindfulness) meditation…
Which is an active or moving meditation technique (think also Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong).
I often meditate outside, especially this time of year…
I find it incredibly grounding.
“Some people ground themselves through meditation, others through yoga, music, prayer, journalling, nature or exercise… When you find what works, hold on to it,” says Dr Tomar.
Grounding connects us to our bodies and the world around us…
It helps us realign ourselves with the here and now (the present moment).
The easiest way to do this is through our senses – what we can see, feel, hear etc.
Which is, essentially, a mindfulness (awareness) meditation.
I think this advice from Dr Tomar is spot on:
Self-care isn’t indulgence, it’s what keeps you going.
But it must be what works for you.
Don’t copy someone else’s ritual.
Find what works for your body, what settles your mind, and what nourishes your heart.
Oh, and I think she meditates just fine!
Ann 🙏