Meditating

One of the best surprises about retirement is time. Time to explore new hobbies. Time to visit with friends. Time to bake. Time to eat. Time to spend on myself. I have often written about this wonderful gift. But, now I have found time for something I never thought I’d try.

Over a decade ago, my adventurous husband suggested we get ourselves a yoga instructor. It would be something we could do together and it would help us stay strong as we aged. I very, very reluctantly agreed, imagining sitting cross-legged on a mat repeating the word “Ohm,’ and trying to pretend I was interested. After only one session, I was surprised at how sore I was from “just” stretching and breathing.

Fifteen years down the road, we still share a yoga practice, three to four times a week. We are stronger. We are healthier. We are dedicated to our instructors who listen and adjust and have successfully guided us through more aches and pains than we can count.

For years, friends have been proposing that I add meditation to my daily routine. Again, really? It sounded like a good nap or, at worst, ten minutes for all my anxieties to have free reign. However, a few months ago, I finally decided to give meditation a try.

And, again – what a revelation. Trying to quiet my mind takes an enormous amount of concentration. Sometimes it works. Mostly, I am only fitfully successful. I begin and end my day with guided meditations (thank you, internet). I sleep better. I am better (not good yet, but better) at keeping inconveniences and minor problems in their proper, small spaces. I actually look forward to meditating.

I have time for yoga, for meditating, for writing. If you’re retired, you may have time, too. Make sure you fill that time with things that make you better, make you happy.