A Journey from Anxiety to Relief
As someone who has long championed mindfulness and its transformative effects, I recently started considering trying to record my very first guided audio meditation. The intention behind this project was clear—to offer a short and easy-to-digest meditation designed to bring solace and relief to those grappling with anxiety.
The Anxiety Conundrum
Despite my experience and understanding of mindfulness principles, anxiety and fear had always stood as invisible barriers to actively creating my own meditation content. The thought of leading others through a meditation session triggered my own inner turmoil around public speaking and being the center of attention. But as they say, growth lies beyond our comfort zones. And if there’s one thing I’ve done in the last 12 months, it’s step outside of that comfort zone on a regular basis!
The Spark of Inspiration
The catalyst for this project was the creation of the ADHDerpCast podcast. In planning and executing the podcast, and exploring topics related to ADHD, I rediscovered the power of sharing one’s knowledge and experience. It was here that the spark ignited—a desire to extend this healing energy to guided meditations. A challenge for myself, with my new equipment and a growing love of speaking into the mic, I got to work on the preparations…
Crafting the Meditation
- Intention Setting: I started by clarifying my idea. What did I want to convey through this meditation? For anxiety relief, itwas simple: to guide listeners toward a calm, centered state.
- Script Writing: Armed with my intention, I put together a script. Focusing on those resonant aspects of the 100s of meditations I’ve experienced. It needed to be concise, soothing, and accessible. I focused on breath awareness, grounding techniques, and gentle imagery. All while trying to keep the listeners mind present and without distraction or judgement.
- Recording: With nerves fluttering, I set up my recording equipment. The room was quiet, and I allowed my voice to flow naturally. I tried, like many of my favourite meditations, to keep my voice low and soft. A gentle cloud of support, set against some lovely subtle piano music. For the 4.5 minutes of final audio, I must have recorded and re-recorded for over a solid hour before I was finally happy with each section.
- Editing: Post-recording, I edited out any stumbles or distractions. Clarity was key. I wanted listeners to feel as though I was right there with them, gently guiding them through the process.
The Ripple Effect
As I shared my guided meditation, something beautiful unfolded. Listeners reported feeling more centered, their anxiety easing. The act of guiding others had a reciprocal effect—I, too, found solace in the process.
Embracing Imperfection
It’s by no means perfect, and I’ve already got some fantastic feedback about cadence and timing, which I’m excited to take on board for my next attempt! There were pauses, a few stumbles, and moments of vulnerability. But imperfection is part of the learning experience. It’s what makes what we create authentic. And counter to my usual perfectionist self, I’ve promised myself to keep some level of imperfection present, and never stress out about these things being 100% perfect.
A Call to Action
So, here it is—a humble audio meditation born from a blend of mindfulness, vulnerability, and a dash of courage. If anxiety knocks at your door, may this meditation be your refuge. And remember, we’re all in this journey together.
Note: You can listen to the meditation here. Breathe. Release. Find peace.
Disclaimer: This meditation is not a substitute for professional advice or treatment. If you experience severe anxiety, please seek professional help.
