An Introduction to Successful Meditation

Meditation is a great way to prepare your mind for a busy day, or calm yourself after a stressful day. When you take big actions and utilize your mind to go after the things you want in life you may need a mental release. Meditation quiets your mind and brings your attention to a single point of focus. It is easy to learn and get started. The “practice” is the hard part.

If you haven't tried meditation before here are a few tips before you get started:

1. Meditation is a practice and you have to do just that. Practicing mediation is not something that you cannot just pick up here and there you must make a commitment to receive the full benefits. Even if it's five minutes per day once a week, make a small commitment that you can fulfill and then increase your practice as you see fit. I recommend twice per day but meditation is not the same for everyone you have to figure out what works best for you. 

2. Settle on a time and place and relaxing position. You can begin your day with meditation, after a long day's work, in the middle of the day, or a combination of two or more times per day. Choose times that are best for you.

•      Choose a place that is quiet (and tidy, a room that is messy will have distractions). When you're first starting out you may also want to close yourself off from the world so to speak as to not be disturbed. With a lot of practice you will be able to meditate anywhere no matter the noise or surroundings.
•       Practice at a time when no one is home if you can. 
•       Practice outside if it's warm and quiet. Look up at the stars or clouds.
•       Choose a position that is most comfortable for you, you don't have to look like a professional. Position yourself so that your back is straight. If you're laying down make sure you're not so comfortable that you fall asleep. Although you're being still meditation is an active practice.

3. Prepare your body and mind for meditation: I find that easing your body and mind into the practice works best for me. Some days you may find that these pre-meditation steps are all you need or have time for:

·      Take a relaxing shower or bath first. If you don't have time for that, try washing your face.

·      Release the tension in your body slowly. Lie on your back and flex and then release all of your muscles one-by-one starting at your toes and work your way up, while breathing deeply. Take your time!

·      Stretch or practice yoga. (Or any other exercise)

·      Light a single candle (this may prove helpful later). A scented candle may be a nice touch.

The point is to do something that relaxes you before you start your practice so that you're already in a calm state and not focused on your daily distractions.

  

4. Do not let frustration deter you from achieving a great practice. If frustration finds you, just breathe deeply and keep at it. It gets easier as you practice and the frustration will go away.

5. Enjoy the practice. Enjoy your breath. Enjoy the relaxation and benefits. Meditation may be challenging to master but it is not work. You should feel great after your practice.

Once you prepare yourself with these pre-meditation tips you'll be able to focus on the actual practice when you're ready to make a commitment. If you keep with it, you will find that the benefits are crucial to developing a strong mind, ready to take on even your hardest goals! Stay tuned for a more detailed walk-through an actual practice of meditation, this week. Thanks for reading!

T.A.H.