Meditation for Wimps
Have you ever wanted to start a meditation practice? Maybe you've had one in the past and want to get back to it, but just haven't found the time. Maybe you have an image of how a meditation practice has to look and it doesn't fit in your busy lifestyle. Picturing a straight-spined yogi on a cushion, in a sanctuary, surrounded by incense and candles? That's one way it can look. But you can have a meditation practice that is more you (unless, of course that is you.)
Meditation is good for your energetic system, your intuition, and your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show a regular meditation practice lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels! Here are some suggestions to get started:
1)Set an alarm for FIVE minutes. Anyone can find five minutes. If you start small, you'll eliminate the "I don't have time" excuse. Find a nice alarm tone, like a chime. This way if you want to press the snooze to continues five more minutes, you can do so, without disturbing your peaceful state. The chime or tone can be a signal to bring your attention to your breath.
2)Find a quiet space where you won't have distractions. You may want to light a candle or some incense or crack a window to allow fresh air into the space.
3)Before you 'sit', stand and shake out your whole body until you feel complete. You might even want to vocalize your resistance, "I don't feel like meditating!!!" A few gentle stretches can help loosen your muscles.
4)Sit quietly and breathe. Allow your mind to do what it does. As thoughts come in, notice them and then notice your breath.
5)When your alarm tones, congratulate yourself for your practice. You may decide to grow the amount of time you spend in meditation, or not. Give yourself permission to do it your way!
You will notice that even a five minute practice has benefits. As you move through your day, or find yourself feeling stressed, you can take one full easy breath and recreate the level of quiet within yourself that you achieved during your practice.
Meditation is good for your energetic system, your intuition, and your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show a regular meditation practice lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels! Here are some suggestions to get started:
1)Set an alarm for FIVE minutes. Anyone can find five minutes. If you start small, you'll eliminate the "I don't have time" excuse. Find a nice alarm tone, like a chime. This way if you want to press the snooze to continues five more minutes, you can do so, without disturbing your peaceful state. The chime or tone can be a signal to bring your attention to your breath.
2)Find a quiet space where you won't have distractions. You may want to light a candle or some incense or crack a window to allow fresh air into the space.
3)Before you 'sit', stand and shake out your whole body until you feel complete. You might even want to vocalize your resistance, "I don't feel like meditating!!!" A few gentle stretches can help loosen your muscles.
4)Sit quietly and breathe. Allow your mind to do what it does. As thoughts come in, notice them and then notice your breath.
5)When your alarm tones, congratulate yourself for your practice. You may decide to grow the amount of time you spend in meditation, or not. Give yourself permission to do it your way!
You will notice that even a five minute practice has benefits. As you move through your day, or find yourself feeling stressed, you can take one full easy breath and recreate the level of quiet within yourself that you achieved during your practice.
Comments