Contemplative Practices And The Benefits Of Self-Compassion
Jamille Edwards founded Golden Century Wellness—a sanctuary for those ready and willing to invest in their well-being. Through her work, Jamille aims not only to heal but to empower individuals to transcend societal stigmas and realize their fullest potential.
For years, contemplative practices have been proven to reduce stress, negative thinking patterns, and body aches. It is well known that these practices offer numerous benefits, yet what has become a mainstream method often takes years to develop. Stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression are genetic, environmental, and social factors that can continue to affect a person’s well-being. Cognitive processing and negative thinking patterns can vary and are influenced by many factors. Over time, stress and negative thinking reduce the likelihood that a person will take care of themselves.
While meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, journaling, dieting, and exercising can all be done daily, it takes time to learn and incorporate these practices consistently. For beginners, using guided meditation, affirmations, sound bowls, or meditation music for five to ten minutes throughout the day can be a helpful start. Yoga is different, as there is extensive research on its benefits and various types that someone can try. For beginners, there are many short, five-to-ten-minute videos available. Breathing exercises are also a great option, with numerous articles outlining techniques and how to implement them. The beauty of breathing exercises is that they can be done anywhere, take just a few seconds, and are easy to learn.
The tradition of journaling has evolved from pen and paper to digital typing and apps, and either method is fine. There are also many prompts for journaling, questions for self-reflection, and types of writing that support individuals during the early stages of journaling. Before beginning a new diet or exercise routine, it is important to schedule a medical checkup. Knowing the current state of your health is essential before making daily changes.
The benefits of creating a healthier lifestyle will last a long time. People often want to start something new and expect to master it overnight. However, contemplative practices require mindfulness, self-compassion, and an awareness of the mind and body. The average person may not get enough sleep, so they might fall asleep during meditation. Someone with a medical condition might struggle with yoga or dieting. What helps is to start slowly, to dedicate small amounts of time, and to understand what options are available. The journey may be a combination of practices: journaling thoughts before meditation, chanting while walking, or listening to sound bowls during meal prep. This is just one example of how to start and stay consistent.
Each practice you begin can be challenging, so the goal isn’t to dive in quickly. It’s realistic to acknowledge that some practices may not work for you or that you may lose interest. For instance, it may take you ten attempts with different yoga videos before realizing it’s not something you want to continue. This is similar to, deciding that juicing every day isn’t practical due to cost, time, and effort. For some, juicing once a week or twice a month provides enough benefits. Be mindful of your choices and changes and avoid criticizing your progress. Remember that the individuals you are learning from have studied for years and likely learned from others. Most importantly, understand that your contemplative practices are for your personal experience, and do not need to be compared to others. Decide to check in with yourself and, over time, remember that each day is an opportunity to move forward at your own pace.
Read more from Jamille Edwards
Jamille Edwards, Counselor, Educator, Consultant, Author, and Public Speaker
Jamille Edwards has invested a decade of her life exploring the intricacies of psychology, counseling, and spiritual practices. With a wealth of knowledge under her belt, she founded Golden Century Wellness—a platform that offers a diverse range of services aimed at promoting mental and emotional well-being. From personalized counseling and empowering coaching sessions to enlightening workshops, insightful articles, and impactful books, Jamille's mission is to guide individuals on their journey toward self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Through her expertise and compassionate approach, she seeks to empower others to unlock their true potential and lead fulfilling lives.
