I have been interested in meditation for years and have always wanted to try it. I've made several attempts but can never quite get it. Meditation is hard, especially for an active mind and that's exactly why it is valuable. I have gotten some traction lately with meditation and I will tell you how.
Does it matter which app or method you use to mediate? No. I use Headspace just because I like the way it looks and feels. Don't make the excuse you haven't found the right app yet. I did that too, it's bull. Here are my key insights.
Set a specific time to meditate
If you leave it to whenever I have time, you will never have time. I like to do it first thing in the morning before anyone else has woken up. I know I won't be disturbed and it's a great way to start the day. Maybe you prefer at lunch or before you go to bed. It really doesn't matter as long as that time is reliably fixed with no disturbances.
Take it very slowly
Being overly ambitious is a sure way to fail. Meditation is hard and you won't be very good at first. You wouldn't try to play a symphony when first learning the piano. I mediate one time a day (morning) for 5 min. Now that sounds like nothing and that's the point. I think just about anyone can pull off 5 min once a day. The key is to build momentum and confidence. Actually, 5 min can feel long when you first start so be humble. Once that is really comfortable, try 10 min. Then move to twice a day. The key is to very slowly increase the time and frequency. Stick to what you can do very comfortably. Don't push it or you run the risk of blowing out.
Do simple meditations
Don't pick a complex or advanced meditation. Choose something you can get through comfortably and feel great about. Again, we're just trying to build confidence not be a master. The old axiom applies, Keep It Simple Stupid.
Don't beat yourself up
Memo, you're going to suck at first. I still suck too as I am beginning but the key is to not worry about it. You'll forget what you are doing, your mind will wonder, you'll feel antsy. That's what happens. Give it no thought, just let it happen and come back to the meditation. Even this can be difficult but you will get it if you keep going. Don't try to stop any of that, let it happen and come back. When you are done. don't judge your performance, You accomplished you meditation for the day, awesome!
Why meditation is good for Voiceover
One of the big keys to good Voiceover is to relax. Relaxing helps you get into the emotion you need and makes your voice sound better. We covered the in the last blog, read that if you need a refresher. Guess what, meditation is very relaxing. Meditation helps me clear my mind of all the thoughts bouncing around. There is so much stimuli today in the world. Meditation helps you let it all go. Because of this, you may also find you have better focus. You can even do a quick 30 sec meditation or sorts just before an audition. A few deep breaths focusing on you breath and body can do wonders. Long story short, meditation can put you in the right state of mind for a good Voiceover.
Comments