Meditation has proven to have a variety of health benefits. Regular meditation can decrease anxiety, improve sleep, assist with weight loss, increase energy, enhance focus, lower blood pressure, etc.
I remember when I first decided that I would like to meditate. I had read about all the amazing benefits and when my doctor suggested it for the 5th or 6th time, I set out to learn all about it. And that’s exactly what I did. I read books, listened to podcasts and studied many different meditation practices. The one thing that was missing…the practice.
Sitting down to meditate is often the most difficult part of the practice. I resisted this in every way imaginable. I couldn’t find a quiet space. I would need to clean the house first. I felt the need to buy a meditation cushion. The list of barriers I put up is quite long.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the “how to’s” and create an expectation for the perfect time and space needed to meditate. But meditation is about the simplicity of becoming completely present. It is not about having the perfect environment or equipment. In order to help others who may be struggling with meditation, I compiled a few short steps you may take to begin your meditation practice today:
- Find a comfortable spot. And by this I MEAN comfortable. This can be a nice, supportive chair or even lying in bed. You do not need to sit in a lotus position on the floor. (Unless you love the lotus position, then go for it!). There is no “right position” except the one where you can be comfortable.
- Expect interruption! Learn to embrace the sounds around you. Hear the noise of your environment and decide to stay present. If you are really fixated on sound, begin there! Identify all that you can hear. If you are interrupted by someone or something, gently return to your practice.
- Simply breathe. That is truly all that is required. With a gentle focus on your breath, let the thoughts simply drift into the background. If you find yourself engaging in thought, return your focus to your breath. Breath slowly and deeply.
- Practice. As with anything, a meditative state takes time to develop. Inevitably, when you begin to practice you spend most of that time in your head, critiquing your ability to meditate. This is normal! With a little time, you will find a quiet stretch and be able to quiet your mind. That’s it!! If you can do that you can say to yourself “I was meditating!”. You can relax and breathe for a few moments or a longer time and then easily pull yourself right back out! Eventually, these moments will increase and you will have a regular meditation practice.
- Find ways to support this practice! Many people find success in meditation through the practice of yoga, qi gong, martial arts, guided meditation, running, creativity or any activity that puts you in a state of flow.
Meditation is all about being present in the moment. It quiets your mind and body. By meditating on a regular basis you will find yourself enjoying life more. You will feel more calm and have better sleep. The list of benefits are many from something that has zero side effects and anyone can do.
Stay Tuned For The Restart Of Our Monday Meditation classes. If you are interested in Reiki or learning more about meditation please contact our Reiki Master Wellness Partner in Suite 203, Richelle Schmidt. You may schedule an appointment with her at 951-551-5849.