Transforming Your Life in 20 Minutes a Day with Meditation

In this episode of the Becoming You podcast, I welcome Jimmy Wightman, known as “That Meditation Guy” on Instagram.

How did you come to teach meditation full-time?

Jimmy: Back in the day, I used to be into financial trading online. Quite a big change. When I was in my 20s, I was a big party guy. But at the end of my 20s, I started to suffer chronic insomnia. I used to drink a bottle of red wine a night just to go to sleep. That led to depression. I looked for solutions, and that started with guided meditations for sleep. I eventually decided to really get serious and signed up for an eight-week mindfulness course. That really helped me to get to know how my mind works. To be honest, when I finished my course, I went back to my old ways and the insomnia never cleared up.

What was it like to transition into business ownership?

Jimmy: It probably wasn’t as bad for me as it is for some people because I’d already done it before. I had already quit my job and started my online business and went through years of struggle.

Why is it that the deeper you connect with yourself, the deeper you connect to the world around you?

Jimmy: The nervous system is really the source of it all. Meditation calms down the nervous system, allowing us to enjoy what’s around us. We not only become calm and stress-free, but we release all our old conditioning. As we keep all these emotions in, the baggage gets heavier and heavier and weighs us down, making the world a scary place.

What are some popular myths that stop people from getting started with meditation?

Jimmy: The biggest one is probably: “Meditation is about focusing on the breath.” That’s one of thousands of different ways to meditate. If focusing on your breath isn’t working for you, feel free to experiment. Find a method that works for you. You also don’t need to meditate for massive amounts of time.

How do you habitualize meditation?

Jimmy: If you have a deep, blissful experience, you’ll get hooked, and the habit will form easily. The motivation will take care of itself. Make it a non-negotiable, like brushing your teeth.

What are the different types of meditation, and which do you teach?

Jimmy: The four most scientifically researched meditations are: 1) focused attention; 2) open monitoring; 3) loving-kindness; 4) automatic self-transcending or Vedic or deep meditation.

Is there a “right” and “wrong” way to meditate?

Jimmy: I think people will struggle without some guidance. Even an app is a good tool to keep you on track if you can’t find a teacher.

What would you say to busy moms who say that everything comes first and therefore never find the time to meditate?

Jimmy: Find the meditation that feels good to you and do it for 15-20 minutes in the morning and afternoon. Make it a worthwhile 15-20 minutes that you find more engaging than scrolling on your phone.

What are some potential downsides to meditation?

Jimmy: When I teach people, I make sure to tell them that they are going to go through a process. They will go through a stress release as they sift through their emotions.

Why do you take cold dips in the ocean? It sounds like torture!

Jimmy: The first time, it was! It all started in the summer. We kept doing it as it became colder and colder through the months. It sort of took a life of its own. Now that it’s January, it’s freezing.

Learn more about Jimmy Wightman:

Visit his website: https://www.delvedeep.com 

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_meditation_guy