Meditation in the Grocery Store?

Have you ever tried to open your car door with one hand, hold your groceries in the other, and balance your cell phone propped between your shoulder and ear?  When you rush to multitask, without thinking about it you’re using your fight-or-flight response.  Believed historically to help us catch our dinner (or run from those who would make us theirs!), this part of our nervous system gives us the drive to race from one activity to the next.  In short bursts this type of energy is helpful.

However, when we constantly speed from one thing to the next our body loses the race: blood pressure and stress hormones increase, the stomach doesn’t digest food well, muscles tighten, and we’re unable to fight illness as effectively.  When we focus the mind, however, we enter what scientists and doctors call a parasympathetic state.  In average-speak, that means we activate the part of the nervous system responsible for rest and digestion. This slows blood pressure, helps the body absorb nutrients, improves the quality of sleep, and produces more white blood cells to boost your immune system.  Likewise, muscles relax and tension headaches and pain are alleviated.

But ahh, you were balancing that cell phone on your shoulder for a reason, right? You already have enough things to do today–how will you find the time to meditate and calm your mind? Let’s bring the meditation to you!

Start by doing the same things you regularly do, but really become aware of what you are doing as it happens, giving your mind the chance to focus.  For example, the next time you walk from the car to the grocery store, breathe deeply and then take each step on purpose. Feel your shoes touch the ground.  Sense the vibration from that gentle impact on your feet. Notice how strong and balanced you are.  Perhaps you will feel a breeze, or the sun on your back. If you notice that your mind has wandered, well done!  You can guide your focus back to what you are doing–for the moment, just walking.  When you focus on your walk, this everyday activity becomes a meditation in motion and the mind calms.  You might like this mini mental vacation, and discover even more opportunities to practice meditation in motion.

Imagine if each red light were a chance to make sure you are sitting comfortably in your car.  Relax your shoulders and notice your breath.  By the time the light turns green, you can leave not just dust but any distracting thoughts behind as you drive forward with an improved sense of well-being.  Congratulations, you just balanced important parts of your brain to increase your health!

Article as featured in Our Berkshire Green Magazine (March-May 2010)