If you’re anything like me, meditation — especially guided meditation — has probably come up as something worth trying. You may have heard how transformative it can be, or have a friend who swears it changed their life. Still, it’s common to feel resistant: “I can’t quiet my mind,” or “sitting still is boring.” I’ve felt that way too. It can be hard to carve out time, but the benefits make it worth trying.

For me, pausing for meditation or quiet reflection helps me respond more calmly in moments when I’d usually react immediately. As a parent, slowing down my reactions requires a lot of practice. I’m not always consistent with meditation, but I return to it whenever I sense I need to reset.

A couple of years ago I discovered guided meditation and it changed everything for me. Guided practices give me something to follow so my attention isn’t stuck on racing thoughts. I use short guided sessions in yoga classes to help students settle, and I use them with my kids when we all need a collective pause. The Meditation Minis podcasts are a favorite resource for quick, soothing guided practices.

I invited Chel Hamilton, the voice behind the Meditation Minis podcast, onto my show to talk about meditation. One part of our conversation that stood out was about resistance — why we avoid things we don’t understand and how that keeps us from discovering helpful tools.

Chel explained that resistance often comes from unfamiliarity. When I notice resistance in my own life, if I don’t pause and explore the reason, I tend to dismiss the idea as “not for me.” But if we allow ourselves to be curious and try new things with an open mind, we might find practices that truly help us grow.

I hope this episode encourages you to try something new, whether that’s guided meditation or another practice you’ve been hesitant to explore.

Guided Meditation with Chel Hamilton

In episode 53 of Fit Mama Real Food Radio, Chel Hamilton — the calming voice behind the Meditation Minis podcast — joins me to discuss meditation. We explore why quieting the mind matters, the benefits meditation offers, different meditation styles, how to start, and ways parents can practice mindfulness. We also talk about resistance and how to make meditation approachable for busy lives. It was a thoughtful conversation full of practical ideas I know you’ll appreciate.

Highlights from the episode

Why creating moments of quiet supports emotional balance.
Practical benefits of meditation for stress, focus, and patience.
Simple approaches to begin a meditation practice, including guided formats.
How to work with resistance and make meditation more accessible.
Tips for incorporating mindfulness into parenting and family life.

Links from the show

Chel Hamilton’s website
Meditation Minis Podcast

You can find episodes and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoy the show, consider rating and reviewing it in iTunes — it helps others discover the podcast.

Do you meditate? Do you have a favorite method or an app that guides your practice? I’d love to hear what works for you.

Heather

PS: During my chat with Chel she noticed the birds outside my window. I shared that the trees and surrounding property make our home feel like a calm place. Chel snapped a photo while we talked — here it is.