What is Meditation?

Meditation has been around for nigh on 5000 years. Basically, it is an internal process that helps us get to know our own mind, allowing us to develop insight into our emotions, our thoughts and our feelings. It also helps us to tap into our intuition. We use our breath to quieten our mind, when our mind is quiet the magic can happen.

What are the benefits of meditation?

Meditation allows us to ‘step away’ from the day to day stuff that goes on in our lives. It is a powerful tool in helping us to slow down, consequently leaving us feeling more energised and focused. It is helpful in managing our ‘monkey mind’. That part of the mind that jumps all over the place, flitting from one thought to another which then leads to more stress. Over 1400 studies on the benefits of meditation have shown that it helps to reduce stress, help with sleep issues, control pain, improve blood pressure, promotes physical and emotional health, energises the immune system, enhances self- awareness and helps us to feel more joy and gratitude in our life.

Meditation has the power to bring life changing blessings into our lives. This might seem scary to begin with, rest assured though, nothing bad can happen as a result of this practice.

How do I do it?

To begin with try not to get too caught up in getting it right. There is no real right or wrong way of doing it. What matters is that you are intending to take time out to breathe. We take breathing for granted, however if you can give yourself a few minutes to – stop – and – breathe, then you have made a good start.

It is important to be comfortable. Sit with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. This tells your brain that you are in ‘meditation mode’ not ‘sleep mode’ for example. Be patient and don’t try too hard, it is called a Meditation Practice for a reason! Now just breathe, focus on your breath; breathing in, breathing out. Remember that your mind WILL wander, you may experience strange sensations in your body and thoughts may appear out of nowhere, especially when we first start out. All of these are normal. When this happens, remain open and send your attention back to your breath. You always have your breath to fall back on. You are aiming for an even breath in and an even breath out. Maybe try counting to 4 to begin with and build up to maybe 7.

A regular practice is going to give the most benefit, building up to 15 – 20 mins a day. We are all different though and it is important to do what feels right for you, 15 minutes is enough for one person, another can easily continue for up to an hour at times. Use a timer if your find yourself worrying ‘going over time’.

Schedule meditation into your day and start small. Stopping every hour to focus on your breath for even one minute will help to develop this positive habit. More effective breathing will also help your focus throughout the day.

You might want to read about meditation. This is a very brief introduction into the practice and there are many different ways of meditating – breath awareness, Heart centered breathing, progressive relaxation, zen, mantra and Metta, or loving kindness.

Try a walking, or even standing meditation. Meditation can also be walking in the woods, focusing on your breath as you take in your surroundings.

Balance