Meditation - 5 Quick And Easy Ways To Get Started
Meditation is a fundamental approach to a healthier
, more vital you. It will calm your emotions and help you to think clearly. You can get more out of your day with just a simple five minute meditation.
I've heard people say that meditation is for the deeply religious or the hippie generation, the touchy-feely among us. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you meditate long enough you may have a spiritual awakening but day to day meditation will give you more focus and energy just to get through your hectic schedule.
There are five basics you need to have to get started on your meditation journey for that is what you will truly experience if you stick with it and don't give up.
A Quiet Place
In order to be calm and quiet you must find a place of solitude, a place where you can be alone with your thoughts. Sitting up straight will help your energy path flow freely throughout your body. If you have a comfortable chair that you slouch down in to watch TV or read a book find yourself a more supportive chair. A kitchen or dining room chair may do the trick.
First Breaths
As you begin, take a few deep breaths to loosen up. Close your eyes and try your best to relax your entire body, from your neck and shoulders right down to your toes. There is a method that may help you with this part. Picture in your mind each of your body parts as you move from top to bottom or, similarly, bottom to top. For example, as you visualize your hands relax your fingers, unclench your fists and try to imagine yourself as a Raggedy Ann (or Andy) doll. If you don't get that relaxed the first time it's OK. Everything in life takes practice and believe me, relaxing is an art that can be achieved over time.
Special Word Or Phrase
Each and every one of us has a word or phrase we can conjure up that will, when repeated over and over again, help us to be even more relaxed. When I have trouble shutting my mind off at bedtime I will repeat in my mind, over and over again, the word "blank". I will spell it out slowly, I will draw the letters in my mind. You, the reader, are probably thinking I'm a little off right now but you know what, it works. My mind goes blank, hence the use of "blank" as my special word. My breathing slows noticeably and within a few minutes I am asleep. I don't want you to fall asleep necessarily when meditating. Pick something that will give you peace as you repeat it in your meditative state.
Meditating
At this point you should be sitting comfortably, back straight, your muscles are beginning to relax and you have a special word or "mantra" chosen. Begin breathing through your nose, repeating your special word or phrase either by whispering it or mouthing the word silently. As with my technique above, you can also chant it in your mind. When you first begin you may get distracted. Other thoughts will creep in trying to get your attention. Calmly "shut them down" and return to your mantra. Another way to get back on track might be to pay close attention to your breathing as you draw breath in and exhale. Practice will get you where you need to be. Do not get discouraged. You will see changes in your moods and energy levels shortly.
Five Minutes
Each and every one of us can find time for five minutes of healing per day. It is vital for your sanity. Today's world is full of chaos. How often do you take time out for yourself? Don't use a timer to bring you out of your meditation. Just gently bring yourself back to your surroundings and get up out of your chair. Do you feel any different? Nothing major but a little bit more at ease? Good for you!
Notice how these five steps were extremely straight forward, didn't cost you a dime to implement and may have helped you get through your day? Some people will take these little five minute breaks periodically during the day just to settle themselves down and focus on what's at hand. Others prefer to start their day off with a few minutes of meditation. Personally, I like to meditate before bed. This allows my concious and unconcious mind to rid itself of the day's hassles. I feel I get a better night's rest this way.
Pick your time, your place, your special word and do it! You will experience energy, calm and peace in your life.
by: Brenda Simard
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