Have you ever wondered if meditation is right for you?
You might have friends who are telling you how much it’s changed their lives. Or maybe you’ve just read about it in magazines. You might have even tried it once or twice before, but never quite got the hang of it.
In my experience, there are two types of people who are interested in meditation. One is the kind of person who wants to do it 100%, and make it a part of their life as soon as they try it.
The other is the person who says they are too busy, they don’t have the time, or there’s too much chatter in their head to commit to regular practice. But the latter are those who will usually reap the most benefits.
What is meditation?
There are dozens of definitions out there for meditation. But simply put, meditation is a practice that is designed to focus your attention and awareness, and bring you into a clear and calm state of mind.
What are some of the benefits of meditation?
There are countless benefits of meditation! But here are some examples of what meditation might help you with:
- Reduce stress
- Overcome anxiety and depression
- Improve self-esteem
- Manage pain levels
- Move through traumas – emotional, spiritual and physical
- Boost concentration and focus throughout everyday life
- Improve the quality of your sleep
- Help with transition periods during life such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause
One of the most profound things that meditation has taught me is that you are not alone. You are never truly alone. We have a connection, not just to the planet and people, but everything else beyond that.
Is there more than one way to meditate?
There are so many different ways to meditate! The key is to find what works for you.
When I set up for a meditation class, I bring a variety of props to support a person’s preferred way of meditating.
Some people like to be surrounded by nature, so I’ll bring in some plants and flowers. Others need to have something to focus their vision on, such as a candle.
I’ll make sure there are plenty of cushions, yoga mats and bolsters so that each person can choose their space and get comfortable. You can sit, lay down or even stand during meditation.
For people who are particularly energetic, movement-based meditation might be better suited. This is what I often do when working with groups of teenagers. I’ll get them jumping on the spot, jogging, moving their arms around, and then once they fatigue, I’ll bring them down to the ground.
Once you have begun the practice, meditation can take place anywhere. You might even find yourself driving, and tuning into the road passing you by and the trees overhead.
It doesn’t have to be a quiet place – simply be aware of the noise, but then tune back into yourself.
Meditation is a very personal journey. It’s important to tune in and connect with your body, mind and breath. Everything else is flexible.
Do I have to stop thinking to meditate properly?
When people first begin meditating, they notice how much chatter goes on in their head. Because they can’t ‘stop’ those thoughts from racing, they get disheartened, and think they are doing it wrong.
But meditation is a process and a practice. You need to maintain it for a good amount of time before you learn to slip into the state easily and without distraction.
The goal isn’t to ‘stop’ thinking. It’s to stop allowing your thoughts to rule your mind.
Are you ready to try meditation for yourself?
Well, there are literally loads of different ways of beginning your own practice of meditation.
One of the most simple ways in the beginning is to connect to your breathing pattern. And what that means is the focus on the breath, you see our mind is what we are trying to calm down, and its our minds that are constantly “chatting to us”.
By counting your breath, you are altering what the mind is focusing on. Get yourself into a comfortable position, you might like to lay or sit. You don’t need any particular equipment either, as long as you are in a place of peacefulness like your garden, or your favourite couch.
I suggest counting for four seconds on your in-breath, pause-hold the breath for a moment, then count for six or seven seconds on your exhalation.
Getting familiar with this does take time, so be gentle on your progress and stay positive on your experience with meditation.
It really can change your internal belief system, and meditation can bring you so much joy!
Recent Comments