Clayton Sizemore of Mindful Movement Florida teaches Youth Farm participants yoga and meditation.
BY SHIMYA MITCHELL, 16, Youth Farm Participant
ST. PETERSBURG — As a high school student that is juggling work on top of other outside activities, meditating has become an important practice. Meditation is an ancient South Asian practice that has been used for centuries. It is an act in which an individual uses a technique such as mindfulness to center their mind onto a certain thought, object or activity.
Every day I try centering myself and focusing my energy. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths whenever I feel like my mind needs refocusing.
There are many methods of meditation, such as mindful meditation, moving meditation and concentration. Concentrative and mindful meditation, in particular, are often practiced helping one center their energy and gain a better sense of focus.
Studies have proven that meditating every day can reduce stress, increase focus as well as concentration, improve memory, allow more restful sleep and can bring one better physical and psychological resilience.
There are so many different ways to meditate, and many people do these meditative practices without being fully aware of it, such as going for a nature walk, dancing, listening to music and reading a book are just a few ways that one can meditate.
I encourage everyone to try a form of meditation to see how it can benefit you.
