DevelopingNewMinds Blog

  • When is the best time to meditate? Can I eat before my meditation session?

    4/28/2025 Sunrise in my back-yard

    I have had some unusual things happen over my last two meditations last night into today. I should mention that I have switched up the times that I meditate to accommodate for my early school days. I need my beauty sleep on the days I catch an early train. 

    I noticed my meditation sessions can sometimes be better in the evening as long as it’s not too late. I feel calmer and less distracted by everything that needs to get completed in a day. It’s really your call where to fit in your meditation routine. It’s individualized there are no hard fast rules.

    Though it’s important not to eat too heavy prior to your meditation as this can hinder the effectiveness of your meditation session. You can find some helpful information here regarding meals before and after meditation sessions.

    Last night while meditating I was focusing on my spirit guides and asking for help with my studies. I could feel the presence of others in the room surrounding me. In addition, I felt something poke me very abruptly in my left shoulder. 

    Surprisingly it didn’t startle me lol. I continued to focus on my energy field. I worked on expanding it and pushing it out as far as I could. I started to feel a heavy pulsing sensation in my heart center again. 

    I also completed a meditation in bed this morning. Of course, Willow and Crystal (My dog and cat) demand to be fed at 6am every morning. This takes top priority. 

    After feeding them I enjoy meditating in bed at times. It allows me to completely relax and let go. Sometimes that’s too difficult to do when sitting in the lotus position.

    So long as I’ve slept well, I’m usually able to have a very productive meditation in this way. This morning parts of my body kept jerking and at one point a huge rush of air escaped my mouth unexpectedly.

  • Expansion of the Heart Chakra

    Jan 1st 2026

    This morning, I experienced an outward expansion of my heart chakra. Along with this sensation I also felt as if my energy body was larger.

    I have been focusing more on the somatic side of my meditation. I haven’t felt like chanting. I feel the need for silence lately because my mind has been on overload.

    It’s been hard to meditate with the alarms going off in the morning. My kids tend to let their alarms go off for an extended period of time. So, it’s necessary to wear earplugs to stay focused. But when I wear earplugs it’s overwhelming when I chant. It makes me focus too much on my head.

    This website is helpful in describing the heart chakra and the sensations you might feel when it opens.

  • So Many Ways to Meditate… How To Decide?

    11/29/2024 Evansburg State Park

    Since starting back up with my meditation practice. I keep finding myself going online to research various methods to meditate. I haven’t had any profound experiences like I did in the past. I am preoccupied with finding just the right methods.

    But, I have come to the realization that this is what has been holding me back. When I sat and thought about all of the amazing experiences I had in the past I realized these things only happened when I let go of my expectations.

    It really is overwhelming how many different methods for meditation that are out there. The most important thing to remember is to stick with what works for you.

    Also remember that a meditation practice takes time. You may not see any results right away. Yes, the unusual experiences are amazing but they shouldn’t be your main goal. Be patient and over time you will see the benefits of your meditation practice.

  • The Benefits of Meditation

    February 2024 I can’t recall where this photo was taken

    My meditation was a bit uneventful today. Some days are like that. It’s good to remind ourselves that we are meditating not just for the unusual experiences but for the benefits of meditation itself.

    One of the benefits I truly appreciate it that my meditations help with my anxiety. I really notice a difference in my level of anxiety when I make time to meditate daily.

  • Mudras

    Evansburg State Park March 2025

    Meditation felt a little rushed today. I was out of bed a little late this morning. Managed to be able to concentrate for 40min. I finished a little early today.

    I used my typical meditation technique that I completed on 4/7/25. Once I reached my 5th chakra at the throat, which is called “Vishuddha”, I had an image flash in my mind. It was like sunlight flashing off of a mirror which appeared within the chakra. You can learn more about the throat chakra here.

    I would like to start working with mudras again during my meditation. There are so many things that you can add to your meditation practice it can be a little overwhelming. Each chakra has a particular mudra that can be used during meditation.

    It can be a little bit overwhelming when you realize how many mudras there are. I just do what feels right for me. I think that’s with anything related to meditation in general. The best thing is to stick with what feels right for you.

  • Resumption of Meditation Practice

    Mexico 2023

    I have begun meditating again daily as of 3/31/25. I spend 45min to 1 hr each morning around 6:15am. I can meditate for longer depending on the day. If I’m working that day, it’s usually 45min.

    This morning I began my meditation around 6:15am. I used earplugs to help me focus on my breathing. This really helped keep me focused and free from distractions.

    I started with just breathing in and out and focusing on the breath for a few minutes. I’d say maybe 5-7min. Then I completed silent mantras for each of the seven chakras. Focusing on white light entering each chakra with the in breath and darkness or negative energy moving out of each chakra with the out breath.

    Some time, after activating and cleansing each chakra I experienced the sensation of floating in nothingness. I had a vision of me holding something in my hands.

    It appeared to be a coin or something of the sort. It was round and I don’t exactly recall what color it was. I think it might have been white. But I’m not completely sure of that. It also had some writing on it but I can’t remember what the writing signified.

    This item felt important. It meant something. I just don’t know what.