How to Meditate: A Simple Guide for Melanated Goddesses
Meditation is much simpler than many people think. If you know how to close your eyes and take a deep breath, you already have the tools to meditate. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to meditate and how to tap into your inner peace and divine feminine energy.
Among the many benefits of meditation are less anxiety, lower levels of depression, decreased irritability, improved memory, greater creativity, and an overall sense of emotional well-being. Plus, meditation has been linked to slower aging, increased vitality, lower stress, reduced blood pressure, and more restful sleep. All of these are vital for Black women who are often carrying the weight of generational trauma and societal expectations.
How to Meditate Right Now
You can start meditating right now with this simple technique that will help you feel more relaxed in just minutes.
- Sit comfortably in a quiet place, close your eyes, and take a deep breath.
- Tense up your whole body, then sigh deeply and release the tension.
- Focus on each part of your body as you let go of the tension, especially areas that tend to hold stress, like your jaw or shoulders.
If certain parts of your body still feel tense, try tensing them again and then fully relaxing them. You can even silently repeat the word “relax” as you let go of the tension. This will train your body and mind to easily recognize relaxation.
Focus on Your Breath
Next, breathe deeply through your nose. Nose breathing helps bring in more oxygen by engaging your diaphragm. Allow your breath to fall into a natural pattern, and focus on it. Just notice the air as it flows in and out of your nose.
If your mind begins to wander—and it will—that’s okay. Gently guide your focus back to your breath each time. To help set aside distractions, you can mentally name them: “itchy leg,” “worried about work,” or “feeling angry.” Acknowledge them, and then return to your breath.
That’s It!
Continue this practice for five or ten minutes, or count 100 breaths. When you’re done, open your eyes and take a few moments to sit in stillness. You’ll feel more relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on whatever challenges life throws your way.
Meditation is an essential tool for Black women seeking to reclaim their power and reconnect with their divine feminine energy. So, Goddess, start today. You deserve this peace.