Ive been to Hawaii only once, ten years ago for a family wedding. It turned out to be a great trip but getting there was a major pain.

Because the trip wasnt planned at our leisure, it required a grueling day of travel: two back-to-back six-hour flights - with a restless five year old. Who, for the most part, was a trooper. Until stepping out onto the quaint little Kauai baggage claim area where she proceeded to throw up.

Even with that, we were still greeted with the traditional warm and inviting aloha from everyone at the airport.

But what happens as you start making your way around the island, it becomes quickly apparent that the aloha at the airport is not just part of some welcome-to-fantasy-island show.It is actually the customary greeting from everyone you come in contact with - cab drivers, hotel staff, strangers. Everyone.

Seems pleasant enough. Should be no big deal. Except at first, theres something awkward about it. Its like an instant reminder youre not in your comfort zone anymore.Its a fish out of water feeling that brings your insecurities up to the surface gasping - Do I have to say it back? What if I dont? Cant I just say hi? Why am I so uptight about this?

But after a couple of days, when youve had some time to decompress and let go of the heavy baggage, a shift happens.

What initially catches you off guard, starts to feel completely natural and just like home. Suddenly, youve taken to aloha like a native. By the time youre ready to leave, youve even branched out to mahalo (thank you) and youre feeling so free, an aloha doesnt feel complete without a hug.

Thats what meditation is like.

At first, its off-putting and awkward. It feels foreign - like some secret language that only other people comprehend. But then over the course of a few days or weeks or sometimes months of sticking with it, a shift happens.

What initially fills you with panic, becomes something you actually look forward to. Instead of wishing it would be over, youre surprised time's up so fast and you want it to last longer.Your load begins to lighten and those cumbersome protective layers start peeling away. And its surprisingly freeing.

It reminds me of a tweet from a funny guy I follow:

It would take at least 8 more years of therapy for me to be able to say "Aloha" to another person.

Meditation is like mini therapy sessions that help send those kinds of insecurities packing. Some experts say you need two 20-minute sessions per day to reap the full benefits. I say start anywhere.

Just start small and see where it takes you. Even if its only 1-minute, it doesnt matter. Sit down, set a timer and give it a shot. Theres no right or wrong way of doing.Its simply a practice of being.

Most people would agree that any moments spent on a relaxing getaway are better than none at all - and meditation can be your ticket there. And just like a good vacation, it can help you recharge, clear your head and ultimately be more productive. So its never a waste of time or too far to go - especially for those who say theyre too busy or impatient to sit still.

I havent returned to the island since that trip - and that marriage has come and gone - but that feeling of aloha has never left me. Ive discovered that all I have to do is close my eyes, sit quietly and I can reach that state without the baggage or the jet lag.

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Continued here:

Meditation: The Aloha State - HuffPost