The Simple Mind is a newsletter to help you reduce overthinking and boost self-confidence.

Let's talk meditation.

I know, I know. The moment I say "meditation," half of you are already picturing someone in a hemp shirt, sitting cross-legged for hours, chanting. As a coach working with professionals, I've been hesitant to dive into this topic. And yet, here we are – because the top 1% of athletes, CEOs, and leaders swear by it.

Orianne

Reading time: 2min.

The truth? Meditation isn't what you think it is.

What do we talk about when we talk meditation?

Meditation purists might come for me, but here's a radical take: meditation isn't about sitting perfectly still for hours. It's about your ability to slow down your thoughts and observe them, instead of drowning in them. Think of it as a pause button for your racing mind.

You already meditate. You just don't know it.

Remember that moment at the gym, midway through your workout? When you're so focused on the effort that thoughts just float by? Or when you're playing with your kids, completely present? Or that walk where your favorite song transports you? Those are meditative states.

Overthinking is the Shadow of your superpowers

Here's something important: overthinking isn't your weakness. It's actually the dark side of some of your greatest qualities. Your desire to do a good job, to understand deeply, to be thoughtful – these are incredible traits. Meditation isn't about stopping these qualities, it's about dialing them down.

How to Practice

Let's make this practical. Try these:

• Take a hot yoga class and notice how your mind rushes during savasana (the rest time after it)

• Sit and listen to white noise, just watching your thoughts pass (I’m obsessed with Fan meditation since fellow coach Karin Lindner introduced me to it)

• Go for a walk in nature. When your mind starts racing, focus on 5 things you can see, hear, or feel

• Use a meditation app during low-stress moments

One Nudge for You

You don't start running by running a marathon. Practice slowing down your thoughts in low-stakes moments. Weekend? Perfect. Waiting in line? Excellent. Build the muscle when the pressure's off.

Tools to Get Started:

• Headspace, Calm, or breat-hwork app

• White noise videos

• Guided meditations on YouTube

• In studio meditation (look in a nearby yoga studio, they likely have guided meditation or sound meditation)

One reminder for you

Meditation isn't about being perfect. It's about being a little more present, a little less tangled in your thoughts.

Subscribe If you're new here, I'm Orianne – mindset coach, chocolate addict, and your guide to taming that overthinking mind.

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