What’s Your Meditation Personality?
What’s Your Meditation Personality?
The very word “meditation” calls to mind images of quiet, smiling, blissed-out beings who look like they are one with the world. They’re calm, cool, and collected — nothing can phase them. But the truth is, there’s a lot that goes on behind the mental curtain.
While the goal of meditation is to stay focused on the present moment, the reality is that there’s usually a whole lot of thoughts swirling behind the scenes for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. And that’s OK! That’s why it’s called a meditation practice.
Though we are all unique beings and our thoughts change day to day, we’re zooming in on the inner dialogue of eight meditation personalities that seem to be the most common. Which category do you fall under?
The 8 Meditation Personalities
The Early Bird
Ahhh, here I am in my happy place. Most people need morning coffee, I need morning meditation. It gets me going. Everyone should meditate in the morning. All of my bad days happen to be days where I didn’t meditate — and that CAN’T be a coincidence.
The Fidgeter
All right, I’m settled in. I’m comfy. I’m slowly breathing. Well, maybe I should cross my legs. Actually, let me try kneeling. I really need to stop slouching. And of course my shoulder starts itching. Now it’s traveling down my arm. This is fine. We’re learning to observe….without interacting….do not scratch...do not scratch...all right, I’ll scratch.
The List Maker
So glad I’m finally sitting down to meditate. Gonna check this one off the list, then I’ll make my morning latte. Oh no, I used the last bit of almond milk last night. Guess I’ll head to the store first. Might as well hit the drive-thru for coffee then, can’t go without it. Actually, my gas is pretty low...I should fill up the tank. Where was I? Oh yes, I am present. I am HERE.
The Space Cadet
...
…
...
Woah...how long has it been?
The Active Listener
It’s so nice to listen to the sound of my own breath. Mmmmm. What’s that noise in the distance? Oh, the neighbor’s dog is barking again. I’ll tune it out. Wait, what was that rustling out the window? It must be a squirrel. Sounds like two squirrels now. ANOTHER SQUIRREL! Annnnd I’m just like the neighbor’s dog.
The Isaac Newton
AH HA! That’s it! The genius solution to my complex creative problem! Why didn’t I see it before. Good thing I always keep a notebook next to my meditation pillow. No wonder every CEO seems to be meditating nowadays. Maybe the C in C-level stands for “calm.”
The Shot Clock
All right, just five minutes for meditation. Seems easy enough. Five minutes...5:59...5:58...5:57...I should really stop counting. I already set a timer. I’ll just focus on my breath....I wonder how much time has passed now — feels like two minutes. I’ll guess 3:41. Just gonna peek one eye open to check...AHH! 3:52. So close, yet so far. Oop, I’m supposed to be meditating.
The Mover
Most people think you need to be seated to meditate, but I find presence in my day-to-day life. I find my flow on a walk, doing yoga, during a run. The world is my moving meditation. My life is the flow state. If you find me zoning out during a conversation, it’s not because I’m bored — i’m just meditating. Well, maybe I’m bored too.
Want to start meditating but don’t know where to begin? Discover the different styles of meditation with Jackie Stewart’s Explore Meditation classes on Alo Moves. Try it free for 14 days.