How To (Finally) Start Meditating
GQ South Africa|March - April 2021
Practising mindfulness isn’t complicated, but it’s also not easy
Clay Skipper
How To (Finally) Start Meditating

NEAR THE BEGINNING OF the pandemic, when we were all freaked out about surfaces, I started using my elbow to push the lift buttons in my apartment building. It’s more sanitary but less effective. In hitting eight (my floor), I’d often clumsily mash five (not my floor). In the 12 or so seconds it takes the lift to ascend five stories, I’d frequently end up so lost in either my thoughts or my phone that I’d get off on the wrong floor. You might say I’m not mindful.

It’s particularly embarrassing, then, to admit I’ve had a meditation practice for years – ever since I walked into a bookshop and, out of sheer curiosity, picked up The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. (Mindfulness is a present, ongoing awareness of what’s happening. Meditation is the formal practice of mindfulness.) As well as giving basic instructions on how to meditate, it lays out a way of relating to thoughts, emotions and feelings that’s downright liberating to someone neurotic enough to push a left button with his elbow. According to Hanh, through the simple act of paying attention to my breath – and thus “keeping one’s consciousness alive to the present reality” – I could quiet my anxieties, lighten up, and “find joy and peace in this very moment”. That’d be a miracle indeed.

This story is from the March - April 2021 edition of GQ South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March - April 2021 edition of GQ South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GQ SOUTH AFRICAView All
CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE CAMERA
GQ South Africa

CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE CAMERA

A creative director, a filmmaker and a video director - three Ghanaian visionaries share their unique approach to fashion and visual storytelling

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
Body Odours You Shouldn't Ignore
GQ South Africa

Body Odours You Shouldn't Ignore

A little whiff of sweat or muskiness may not be cause for concern, but some smells can signal a health concern that are worth taking a bit more seriously

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
THE MOST CONSISTENT IN THE GAME
GQ South Africa

THE MOST CONSISTENT IN THE GAME

K.O's greatest strength is his adaptability in the evolving music industry while staying true to his roots. From his days as a member of Teargas to solo hits like \"Caracara\" and \"Sete,\" he proves that he is always one step ahead

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
POWER & PASSION
GQ South Africa

POWER & PASSION

Off the field and comfortable with SA rugby's MVPs, Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
GUNNING FOR GLORY!
GQ South Africa

GUNNING FOR GLORY!

BURNING UP THE GLOBAL STAGE, BLXCKIE HAS A THING OR TWO TO SHOW US ABOUT SUCCESS

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
Final Edition
GQ South Africa

Final Edition

From 2025, Jaguar will go fully electric. To say farewell to their internal combustion felines, our motoring editor Dieter Losskarn joined the megabrand in taking their latest F-Type sportscar on one last lap

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
WRITING THEIR NEXT CHAPTERS OF SUCCESS TOGETHER
GQ South Africa

WRITING THEIR NEXT CHAPTERS OF SUCCESS TOGETHER

The collaboration between Bisquit and Dubouché and Kwesta is kicking into gear with an initiative to drive a new wave of pioneering spirits

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Exceeding all the Hype
GQ South Africa

Exceeding all the Hype

Group managing director at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, Michael Kewley injected charm and artistry into the space, elevating its status of luxury

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
Grand Cruiser
GQ South Africa

Grand Cruiser

Our motoring editor Dieter Losskarn was pleasantly surprised by how much he liked the new Prado. In fact, it is one of the best SUV/4x4 vehicles he's driven in a long time. Here's why...

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Why Does Everyone Have Big, Fake White Teeth Now?
GQ South Africa

Why Does Everyone Have Big, Fake White Teeth Now?

Veneers were once a dirty secret. Now, they're a luxury status symbol and the famous and wealthy are flocking to Hollywood's favorite dentist in search of even more perfect smiles

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024