11/06/2020
For those who have always been intrigued by meditation but do not know where or how to start, I’ve created a step-by-step guide. Meditation is very simple and comes easily with practice.
Step One | Find a Quiet and Comfortable environment.
Once you have found a place where you can meditate without disruption, put away any electronics that you may find distracting and dim the lights.
You can sit on the floor or on a chair, preferably with your feet on the ground and your back straight. However, if you find yourself more comfortable lying down, you are more than welcome to do so.
There is no one way to meditate.
Step Two | Close your eyes.
Take a moment to close your eyes and relax your body.
Remain still and let your body become loose and less tense.
Step Three | Find your breath.
Now that you’re starting to relax, become aware of your breath. Feel the sensation of breathing.
Focus on the breath as you inhale and exhale deeply. Feel the sensation of the air passing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Notice your chest expanding and contracting.
Be aware of physical sensations throughout your body.
Step Four | Do not try to stop thinking.
In the beginning stages of meditation, it is normal for there to be a lot of ‘chatter’ in your head. You may feel a plethora of thoughts racing about.
Do not actively try to stop thinking or you’ll defeat the purpose of quieting your mind by giving it another task.
Allow your thoughts to flow through your mind. Like a river, they will continue flowing if you don’t try to stop them. Acknowledge your thoughts, know that they are there, but do not engage them. Let one thought, flow to the next.
Return back to the focus on your breath. Whenever you find yourself drifting away, return and find your breath.
Step Five | Calm your mind and focus.
You can either continue to focus on the breath or use a mantra such as “Aum” or a prayer that you are used to.
Maintain focus on either your breath or mantra.
Step Six | Practice
You can end your meditation whenever you feel fit, the minimum recommended time is 15mins. But results can still be seen with less.
Do not be discouraged if you found it difficult the first few times. It may take a week or more for your mind to break habits that are as old as you.
Continue to practice every day and I promise that you will feel the results.
It’s best to start meditation with a guided audio track to help you focus before you learn to meditate on your own.
Good luck!