FREE 21 Day Meditation Program: Desire and Destiny

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, it’s no secret that I’m the type of person who is always on the go; I’m constantly multi-tasking, creating lists of everything that needs to be accomplished, and running from one activity to the next. While it makes for an efficient and fulfilling life, it can also be physically and mentally exhausting. I’m at the point in my life where I see the value in a quiet night at home, and time for relaxation and reflection. But sometimes it’s hard to take that break, even when I know I should. One way I’ve been able to achieve this is through meditation.

So, what is meditation? Simply put, meditation is a way to tune-in to your inner self. Referenced thousands of years ago in Hindu texts, meditation is described in the Bhagavad Gita as the point when “having become calm and concentrated, one perceives the self within oneself.” Physician and New-Age guru, Deepak Chopra explains that “…meditation is a way to get in the space between your thoughts. You have a thought here, a thought here, and there’s little space between every thought. According to wisdom traditions, this space between the thought is the window, is the corridor, is the vortex to the infinite mind – the mystery that some people call the spirit or God.” I once heard someone say that prayer is when we speak to God, and meditation is when God speaks to us. I personally found this to be a powerful message, and it’s always stuck with me. But whether you’re religious or not, there are plenty of reasons to consider meditation.

In recent years, modern science has been able to concretely measure the benefits of meditation, from decreasing cardiovascular disease, to improving memory and performance, and even increasing compassion and empathy, to list a few. All great reasons to give meditation a try. So where do you begin? Although there are several different types of mediation, I started off simply, by taking 10-15 minutes a day, sitting quietly, and clearing my mind. Last November, I participated in an online program sponsored by Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra titled “Creating Abundance.” I found this to be a great beginner program, as each 15 minute session included introductory messages about the day’s meditation practice, a mantra (a word or phrase which may be thought of in order to clear the mind), a timed session with gentle background music, and finally, a closing message. I really appreciated the ease and accessibility of this program; I simply downloaded the program onto my iPhone and could participate at my leisure. Additionally, the 15 minute length was easy for me to fit into my daily schedule. Most of all, I personally felt the positive effects and benefits of the practice. I found myself to be more calm and less irritable, but also more focused and efficient.

The good news is that Oprah and Deepak are hosting another meditation program – and it’s FREE! Titled “Desire and Destiny,” the program offers 21 days of guidance to “uncover your creative brilliance, connect with your deepest desires, and tap into your pure potential.” The program starts on Monday, November 11th, and you can register for it here.

Whether you’re new to meditation and want to give it a try, or you’re a seasoned practitioner looking for a different experience, this is a great opportunity. I’ve already signed up and look forward to this new session. If you join the program, leave a message in the comments; I’d love to hear your thoughts!