In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that feels fancy and festive for the last min holiday invites or request to bring dessert? 

My dark chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are here to save the (holi)day! 

Recipe is on JessOBSESSED.com. 

#holidaycookies #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdesserts #thanksgivingrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreethanksgiving #glutenfreecookies #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreechef #glutenfreemeals #glutenfreecooking #f52grams #feedfeed #forkyeah #glutenfreefoods #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreefoodshare #nogluten #wheatfreediet #gffood #glutenfreelife #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #glutenintolerance
Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on m Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on my latest blog post about the top things to do in Madrid. Let’s use the comments to inspire each other and share our favorites things to do, see and where to eat snd drink in Madrid. Leave your best rec below 👇 #madrid #travelinspo #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes ot Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes other than my bikini, but reading something fun and witchy to get into the spooky spirit. Loving this book so far! link in stories. #bookrecs #bookstagram #mauritius #lemorne #lemornebeach #booktok #bookrecommendations
My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget a My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget are on the blog! 

I rounded up the cutest bikinis, one-piece, one-shoulder, cut-out, tie dye and more styles from all over the web (Amazon + Target included!). 

If you're looking for a cute new swimmy for a vacation or pool day search "bathing suits" on JessObsessed.com! 

 #fashionbloggers #stylediary #fashionoutfits #stylepost #wiwtoday #outfitdetails #ootdinspo #outfitinspo #outfitideas #outfitgram #outfitdiary #fashioninspo #beachvibes #sunandsea #sandytoes #sunshine #swimwearlover #swimwearfashion #swimsuitfashion #swimwearstyle #swimweartrends #swimwear2021 #bikinibabes #onepieceswimsuit
Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? T Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? 

The street food in Thailand was by far the best I have ever had. JB agrees now but he was so nervous to eat in Thailand because everyone freaked him out with travel tales of getting sick off street food! He couldn't believe how adventurous I was ready to be trying all different street foods (being careful about avoiding gluten of course!) because I'm usually the picky restaurant eater between the two of us 😂

But food + travel is my greatest passion and joy in life and I think enjoying local, authentic foods in new cities is one of the best ways to explore and get a feel for the local culture. Planning my meals when traveling takes up about 90% of the research I do! 

If you know what to look for and are careful you should be 100% fine tasting all the delicious street food all over the world! 

This is some of the best pad thai I've ever had, on Yaowarat street in Bangkok's Chinatown. I organized a street food tour through Bangkok Food Tours and it was EPIC! They were able to accommodate my gluten allergy and were so nice, flexible and knowledgeable. We loved talking to our guide about the food just as much as we enjoyed eating it. Read all about it by searching "Bangkok" on  JessObsessed.com! 

What's the best street food you've ever tried? Tell me in the comments 👇

xxx

 #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #passionpassport #stayandwander #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #artofdestinations #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #travelbucketlist #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #foodventure #foodoftheday #bangkokfood #bangkokfoodies #bangkoktravel #bangkokeats #bangkokstreetfood
Fall essentials: 🧣Cozy blankets 🤠Felt hats Fall essentials: 
🧣Cozy blankets
🤠Felt hats 
🛋️Snuggles on the sofa 
🍎Apple picking

What's on your Fall essentials list? 🍂

xxx

 #fallvibes #fall2021 #fallcolors #fallcolours #fallfeels #fallishere #fallseason #fallmood #fallweather #falldays #fallessentials #fallfavorites #fallstyle #falloutfits #falldecor #fallcandles
Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and resta Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and restaurants to try in Rome, Vatican City doesn't exactly scream "foodie destination" but let's face it, after you've braved the overwhelming crowds and marveled at the majestic art and history, you want food, pronto. 

You don't have to settle for overpriced tourist traps peddling frozen pizza as "authentic" I promise! 

We discovered an adorable Italian bistro just a ten-minute walk from the Vatican called La Zanzara. Local, delicious, authentic and the perfect spot to rest your feet and refuel. AND they had gluten free crackers for the cheese plate! 

xxx
#foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #f52gram #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #foodphotos #foodstyling #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #exploringitaly #igitaly #italytravel #iloveitaly #vaticancity #romefood #rometravel #rometrip #romelovers #traveladvice
What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had to pick just one, what is the best restaurant experience of your life? 

Mine is hands down the emoji tasting menu at the original Gaggan in Bangkok (update as of 2022: the original Gaggan is closed and I hear Anand is planning a new restaurant in Japan too, so time to get back to Asia!) 

Gaggan's emoji tasting menu was hand-down the most creative, inventive dining experience I have ever had. A 25-course tasting menu where every dish was more unique than the last. It was food theater at its best but not for the sake of theatrics, it was to make eating a complete sensory experience - taste, of course, but also the way the presentation of the food engaged your sense of sight, smell and touch.

The course that stands out the most is the "lick it up" plate! The waiter placed a portable radio on the table and blasted "Lick It Up" by Kiss. The waiter placed a plate with a trio of sauces in front of us, with no utensils, and the words "lick it up" written in the sauce. We looked up confused. The waiter smiled, shrugged and gestured for us to follow the instructions. So we picked up the plates and licked up the sauces until the plates were clean! 

I cannot WAIT to get back to Asia to try Gaggan's new restaurant in Bangkok and if he opens his long-promised restaurant in Japan I'll be on a flight ASAP. 

So tell me, what is the most unique and memorable restaurant experience you've ever had? 

xxx 

#buzzfeast #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #bangkokfoodies #bangkokfood #bangkokrestaurant #bangkokeats #bangkoknight #thailandtravel #traveladvice #gaggan #gagganbangkok #gaggananand #bangkoktravel #travelblogger #traveladvice # #tasteintravel #traveltips
About to head out on another big trip halfway arou About to head out on another big trip halfway around the world and so of course I’m reminiscing about our last big trip to Portugal & Spain, just before COVID hit. Here I am dancing and twirling and laughing my way through a vineyard tour in the Douro Valley.  It was so beautiful I just felt like prancing around like a woodland fairy 🧚‍♀️🧚🧚‍♂️(could have also been the very generous pours during the wine tastings of course 😂) #femmetravel #travelawesome #thattravelblog #TravelStoke #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #TLpicks #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #beautifuldestinations #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #portugal #dourovalley #winetourism #sixsensesdourovalley #ladiesgoneglobal #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe #sommlife #winetravel #winetour #vineyard #winefarm #winerylovers #winespectator #drinkdrinkdrink
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Life · February 8, 2021

Home » Blog » Life » How To Start Meditating For Beginners (When You Hate Meditation)

How To Start Meditating For Beginners (When You Hate Meditation)

A moment of mindfulness and gratitude on top of a mountain in Chiang Mai, Thailand

3 EXERCISES FOR BEGINNERS STARTING A MEDITATION OR MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

I hate meditating.

There, I said it. I’ve always wanted to the kind of person who spends 10 minutes writing in her bullet journal every morning before getting out of bed (no thank you, I need coffee before I can complete basic human functions and you want me to spend 10 minutes searching my soul before caffeine? Just….No.) and is a Pinterest-perfect DIYer, but it’s just not me. And lately I’ve been working on accepting it instead of fighting it. As hard as I’ve tried and as much as I want to be the kind of person that meditating and all that, I just don’t. And I’ve decided that’s okay.

(Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase from a link in this post, at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting this site!)

Just because I don’t like meditating or journaling doesn’t mean I don’t understand the health benefits though – the mental, emotional, and physical of meditation and mindfulness are scientifically proven. I have battled anxiety pretty much my whole adult life and as such people love to tell me how I just “need to relax and breathe. Try yoga and meditation!” Like, has telling someone with anxiety to “relax” ever in the history of the world actually helped that person relax? Exactly.

However, meditation for anxiety can be extremely helpful. So how do you start meditating if you really don’t like meditation, if you get impatient and frustrated and antsy like I do? A good way to start meditating at home is by trying to practice mindfulness. I find I respond better to mindfulness exercises because mindfulness focuses your thoughts rather than trying to eliminate them.

The problem I have with meditation and the idea that you’re supposed to make your mind “still” and not be thinking of anything is basically that I find it impossible and then I get frustrated that I find it impossible and give up. Sounds familiar, right? So what I’ve learned is that I need to give my mind something to think about, but in a focused way that promotes a sense of calm.

Through trial and error though, I have learned a few exercises – tools, really, that help me to practice mindfulness at home and soothe my anxious, high-speed train of a mind without having to count a million breathes and being bored out of my mind or wanting to crawl out of my own skin.

Taking a moment to meditate and do a yoga flow in Chiang Mai Thailand

I hope these tips for learning how to meditate and practice mindfulness at home are as helpful to you as they are to me!

MINDFULNESS FOR BEGINNERS TIP #1:

OBSERVATIONS

When I’m lying in bed, feeling restless, I do an exercise that I call senses observation using my sense of sound and sense of touch. I start by observing sounds. What do I hear? I identify and label each sound individually: my own breathing, the whirl of the air conditioning unit, a siren in the distance, etc. Then I move on to touch. I identify and label everything I feel: My limbs on the mattress, the weight of the duvet, my hand resting on my chest, my hair brushing across my cheek, and so on. This is a mindfulness exercise that can also be done anywhere and you can incorporate as many senses as works for you. For example, if you’re stressed at the office, start with sound and touch but then you can also try sight – pick a color and identify and label how many objects in your general presence have that color.

MINDFULNESS FOR BEGINNERS TIP #2:

GRATITUDE EXERCISE

Like I mentioned above, I’m not one for journaling, but one meditation exercise I like to practice at least a few times a week is a gratitude exercise. My “what if bad things happen” anxiety spiral likes to take over around 10:30 PM when I’m lying in bed trying to fall asleep so when this happens, I make myself repeat 5 things I’m grateful for – either generally or that happened that day. My gratitude list could be as general as being grateful for my health or my relationship, or as specific as my morning subway transfer time perfectly lining up or a nice email I received at work. I will either make the list in my head or sometimes even whisper it out loud, and repeat as needed until I feel calmer.

MINDFULNESS FOR BEGINNERS TIP #3: VISUALIZATIONS

I alternate between two different types of visualization exercises when I want to be more mindful and stop the anxiety spiral.

The first visualization is to help me stop obsessing or ruminating over whatever is bothering me. I call this the closed door exercise. It’s exactly as it sounds: I visualize whatever is bothering me – for example, a frustrating exchange at work – and then I visualize a huge heavy door closing or steel walls coming down all around me, blocking out the exchange, completely shielding me from it. Then I tell myself, that ‘thing’ is in the box over there, behind the door, wherever, and is put away. I’m “closing the door” on the thing that’s bothering me and keeping it out.

The second visualization exercise that I often do is to visualize myself in my happy place, which is generally lying on the most pristine white sand beach all by myself, with warm turquoise water gently lapping at my legs and the hot sun on my skin. I imagine that I can feel the sand, hear the waves and tell myself that’s where I am (mentally, at least). I remind myself how beautiful and calm it is and I can feel myself relax.

So there you have it! My top 3 tips for beginning a meditation or mindfulness practice at home, even when you hate meditating!

Do you have any tips to share? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

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In: Life · Tagged: Meditation, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Tips and Advice

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In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that In need of an easy, one-bowl GF cookie recipe that feels fancy and festive for the last min holiday invites or request to bring dessert? 

My dark chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are here to save the (holi)day! 

Recipe is on JessOBSESSED.com. 

#holidaycookies #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdesserts #thanksgivingrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreethanksgiving #glutenfreecookies #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreechef #glutenfreemeals #glutenfreecooking #f52grams #feedfeed #forkyeah #glutenfreefoods #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreefoodshare #nogluten #wheatfreediet #gffood #glutenfreelife #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #glutenintolerance
Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on m Seeking Madrid recommendations! I’m working on my latest blog post about the top things to do in Madrid. Let’s use the comments to inspire each other and share our favorites things to do, see and where to eat snd drink in Madrid. Leave your best rec below 👇 #madrid #travelinspo #bloggerstravellovers #thattravelblog #LiveTravelChannel #TravelStoke #justgoshoot #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #worlderlust #femmetravel #travelandlife #travellershouts #citybestpics #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #travellingthroughtheworld #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #globelletravels #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe
Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes ot Celebrating Halloween in Mauritius, no costumes other than my bikini, but reading something fun and witchy to get into the spooky spirit. Loving this book so far! link in stories. #bookrecs #bookstagram #mauritius #lemorne #lemornebeach #booktok #bookrecommendations
My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget a My favorite swimsuits for every style and budget are on the blog! 

I rounded up the cutest bikinis, one-piece, one-shoulder, cut-out, tie dye and more styles from all over the web (Amazon + Target included!). 

If you're looking for a cute new swimmy for a vacation or pool day search "bathing suits" on JessObsessed.com! 

 #fashionbloggers #stylediary #fashionoutfits #stylepost #wiwtoday #outfitdetails #ootdinspo #outfitinspo #outfitideas #outfitgram #outfitdiary #fashioninspo #beachvibes #sunandsea #sandytoes #sunshine #swimwearlover #swimwearfashion #swimsuitfashion #swimwearstyle #swimweartrends #swimwear2021 #bikinibabes #onepieceswimsuit
Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? T Where is the best STREET FOOD you've ever had? 

The street food in Thailand was by far the best I have ever had. JB agrees now but he was so nervous to eat in Thailand because everyone freaked him out with travel tales of getting sick off street food! He couldn't believe how adventurous I was ready to be trying all different street foods (being careful about avoiding gluten of course!) because I'm usually the picky restaurant eater between the two of us 😂

But food + travel is my greatest passion and joy in life and I think enjoying local, authentic foods in new cities is one of the best ways to explore and get a feel for the local culture. Planning my meals when traveling takes up about 90% of the research I do! 

If you know what to look for and are careful you should be 100% fine tasting all the delicious street food all over the world! 

This is some of the best pad thai I've ever had, on Yaowarat street in Bangkok's Chinatown. I organized a street food tour through Bangkok Food Tours and it was EPIC! They were able to accommodate my gluten allergy and were so nice, flexible and knowledgeable. We loved talking to our guide about the food just as much as we enjoyed eating it. Read all about it by searching "Bangkok" on  JessObsessed.com! 

What's the best street food you've ever tried? Tell me in the comments 👇

xxx

 #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreeeats #glutenfreebloggers #glutenfreegirl #glutenfreefinds #passionpassport #stayandwander #travelgram #traveladdicts #seetheworld #artofdestinations #traveladdict #travelblogger #traveldiary #travelpassion #travelbucketlist #girlsthatwander #girlsvsglobe #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #foodventure #foodoftheday #bangkokfood #bangkokfoodies #bangkoktravel #bangkokeats #bangkokstreetfood
Fall essentials: 🧣Cozy blankets 🤠Felt hats Fall essentials: 
🧣Cozy blankets
🤠Felt hats 
🛋️Snuggles on the sofa 
🍎Apple picking

What's on your Fall essentials list? 🍂

xxx

 #fallvibes #fall2021 #fallcolors #fallcolours #fallfeels #fallishere #fallseason #fallmood #fallweather #falldays #fallessentials #fallfavorites #fallstyle #falloutfits #falldecor #fallcandles
Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and resta Of all the amazing neighborhoods to eat, and restaurants to try in Rome, Vatican City doesn't exactly scream "foodie destination" but let's face it, after you've braved the overwhelming crowds and marveled at the majestic art and history, you want food, pronto. 

You don't have to settle for overpriced tourist traps peddling frozen pizza as "authentic" I promise! 

We discovered an adorable Italian bistro just a ten-minute walk from the Vatican called La Zanzara. Local, delicious, authentic and the perfect spot to rest your feet and refuel. AND they had gluten free crackers for the cheese plate! 

xxx
#foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #f52gram #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #foodphotos #foodstyling #glutenfree #glutenfreefoodie #exploringitaly #igitaly #italytravel #iloveitaly #vaticancity #romefood #rometravel #rometrip #romelovers #traveladvice
What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had What is the BEST meal you've EVER had? If you had to pick just one, what is the best restaurant experience of your life? 

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Gaggan's emoji tasting menu was hand-down the most creative, inventive dining experience I have ever had. A 25-course tasting menu where every dish was more unique than the last. It was food theater at its best but not for the sake of theatrics, it was to make eating a complete sensory experience - taste, of course, but also the way the presentation of the food engaged your sense of sight, smell and touch.

The course that stands out the most is the "lick it up" plate! The waiter placed a portable radio on the table and blasted "Lick It Up" by Kiss. The waiter placed a plate with a trio of sauces in front of us, with no utensils, and the words "lick it up" written in the sauce. We looked up confused. The waiter smiled, shrugged and gestured for us to follow the instructions. So we picked up the plates and licked up the sauces until the plates were clean! 

I cannot WAIT to get back to Asia to try Gaggan's new restaurant in Bangkok and if he opens his long-promised restaurant in Japan I'll be on a flight ASAP. 

So tell me, what is the most unique and memorable restaurant experience you've ever had? 

xxx 

#buzzfeast #foodielife #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #foodlover #forkyeah #eater #eatwell #foodblog #foodblogger #foodforfoodies #foodventure #foodoftheday #foodbloggerlife #mydomaineats #bangkokfoodies #bangkokfood #bangkokrestaurant #bangkokeats #bangkoknight #thailandtravel #traveladvice #gaggan #gagganbangkok #gaggananand #bangkoktravel #travelblogger #traveladvice # #tasteintravel #traveltips
About to head out on another big trip halfway arou About to head out on another big trip halfway around the world and so of course I’m reminiscing about our last big trip to Portugal & Spain, just before COVID hit. Here I am dancing and twirling and laughing my way through a vineyard tour in the Douro Valley.  It was so beautiful I just felt like prancing around like a woodland fairy 🧚‍♀️🧚🧚‍♂️(could have also been the very generous pours during the wine tastings of course 😂) #femmetravel #travelawesome #thattravelblog #TravelStoke #TheGlobeWanderer #passionpassport #TLpicks #europe_vacations #bestvacations #topeuropephoto #beautifuldestinations #wearetravelgirls #radgirlslife #portugal #dourovalley #winetourism #sixsensesdourovalley #ladiesgoneglobal #sheisnotlost #jetsettingchicks #girlsvsglobe #sommlife #winetravel #winetour #vineyard #winefarm #winerylovers #winespectator #drinkdrinkdrink
First grid post in forever!! Finally feeling inspi First grid post in forever!! Finally feeling inspired to get back into Lightroom. This photo was taken on our road trip through Colorado in 2020. I 💯loved 💯 visiting Colorado in the fall instead of winter. The colors were unreal. Edited with my new @louandmarks presets! #colorado #roadtrip #durango #denver #crestedbutte #roadtripusa

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