Image by Kosal Ley via UnSplash

Stress is a series of reactions that lead people to a state of mood alteration, which can have serious consequences such as anxiety and depression. Though stress is closely linked to work, it can be present in any area of life, especially when an abrupt change in routine, such as an upcoming marriage, is expected. If you are going to marry, you may suffer the stress of a meticulous organisation.

Marrying is a stress and can also cause panic attacks and general anxiety. As you organise your special day, you can get caught up making sure that every detail is planned. Thousands of things to do and decisions to take, performance anxiety and even meteorological frustration (and if it rains?), this puts the future bride in an anxiety state with so much side effects: disturbed sleep, irritability, accelerated heartbeat and sudden tears. To prevent this from taking over, you can take part in meditation over the course of your wedding:

A. Pre-Wedding
Meditation is a form of relaxation that considerably reduces stress; your mind can move away from the earth’s world and reach a state of extreme concentration. By following these relaxation techniques, your mind will control your body through breathing and recall the internal energy itself. If you can attain a level of mental peace, you can overcome every obstacle or complicated situations you may tend to face with greater determination and enthusiasm while planning for your wedding.

1. Find a quiet and cosy place. Putting a dim light and soft music can help to create the right atmosphere.
2. Sit on the ground with your back straight, but without tension, breathing deeply and keeping your shoulders and arms relaxed.
3. With your eyes open, choose a point in front and leave the gaze there. You might select a wall, a vase or even artwork. As you gaze, allow the distractions to melt away.
4. When a thought arises, just observe the thoughts without judging. There is no need to judge the thoughts or to retain the thoughts, just observe.
5. Next, create positive thoughts and pictures of yourself, visualise them and keep them for a few minutes.
6. Close your eyes for a moment creating a complete silence and when you are ready, open your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

Image by bady qb via UnSplash

B. On the wedding day
Meditating is much more than “1…2…3 … breathe”. It is a relaxation practice that that requires concentration. It is important that you take at least 10 minutes of your big day to establish a connection with yourself. It may be very early in the morning when you wake up or when you are dressed or maybe some moments alone in the bathroom. Begin your wedding meditation by following these steps:

1. Forget your mental lists. Be aware of things you can handle and with whom you count on to help and support in the preparation of your wedding. Only then will you clear your mind to focus solely on yourself.
2. Adjust conditions. It does not matter what clothes you wear, look for a place that is warm. Remember silence is essential, turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices and ask those around you not to interrupt. You can light candles or lavender-scented lamps, chamomile.

The wedding day is very busy, you’ll barely have time on your hands to meditate but to make sure you are in the moment, you can practice mindfulness as a bride.

To practice mindfulness, set aside memories and yearnings. Live in the present, take control of your mind by paying attention to your body. Take several slow, long breaths. Focus on feeling the beat of your heart.

When you are dressed and ready, feel your hands holding your bouquet. Lift your bouquet up to your nose. Breathe in slowly the fragrance of the flowers you chose for your wedding. Feel some of the petals of flowers. Note the sweet and soft feeling. Now feel your fourth finger of the left hand. This is where you will wear your ring. How would you feel? Connected and loved. Relax the finger, the hand, both hands, the shoulders, the jaw, breathe.

Finally, pay attention to your feet. Feel the shoes you have chosen. How do your feet feel in your shoes? Stand up gently. Feel your feet grounded in your shoes on the floor. Breathe in and imagine yourself almost floating. Calm down, breathe.

That is all; now you will be aware of the incredible moment that you are living. With this, your wedding day itself won’t feel like a barely conscious blur, but you’ll be able to savour and keep every little detail in perspective. Immerse yourself in every step, every note, every word, and every movement of the ceremony. You are ready to live everything at 100% intensity.

Photo by Levi XU on Unsplash

C. Post wedding
Meditation is the art of training your mind to stay calm, quiet and at peace. Calm moments of solitude can be good memories of the life you had lived before you got wedded and now enjoying your partnership. Restore your sense of independence and relax in silence, meditation will help you to have a calmer, more connected and harmonious relationship with your partner. Here are some tips for cultivating a meditation practice after your wedding:

1. Keep things slow and steady.
This means you could begin with just one session per week and expand to include several days or even multiple meditations per day. No matter what practice works for you, start slowly and keep on practising, as the rewards of your practice are very much worth it.

2. Meditate in the morning
You could meditate in the morning before your family wakes up to ensure that the session is quiet, private and you will receive the maximum benefit from your practice.

3. Set a timer.
Set a timer with a soft alarm which will alert you at the completion of your meditation session. With this, you don’t end up always checking the clock to determine how much time is remaining.

4. Just breathe.
When thoughts like your to-do list swim into your mind, focus on the gentle flow of your breath. Inspire. Exhale. Inspire. Exhale. Just breathe and allow the thoughts to disappear.

5. Embrace the unexpected.
You will find moments throughout the day that is quiet and peaceful. Take advantage of these unexpected moments and utilise the opportunity to meditate.

6. Have compassion.
There will be days when you just will not be able to complete your meditation session. Just relax and show yourself a little compassion. Being kind to yourself will increase your chances of developing an effective meditation practice.

7. Be restored.
Meditation increases the levels of clarity and energy, increasing the healing opportunities in your mind, body, and spirit which were lost before and during the wedding.

8. Be patient.
Be patient with yourself and your new family, as your meditation practice may take some time for it to fit in and become a permanent part of your routine.

Photo by Dingzeyu Li on Unsplash

Cultivating your meditation practice before, during and after your wedding as a bride is an investment in your health and well-being. This great tool can support your efforts to enjoy being a wife, so get started now and immediately enjoy the many benefits of meditation.

Ms Polka Dot says: Meditation is such a wonderful skill to have, so why not start now and make it a lifelong habit. Great for your overall health and well being, as well as giving you some time to yourself in this overhyped world of endless social media and tasks.

Camille says: I am a meditation teacher and was recently a bridesmaid for my sister’s
wedding and now I understand how stressful weddings are.

Find Camille at Monday Mind