Steps to Meditating

Meditating is a way to ease everyday tensions. It’s also a way to reconnect with yourself, especially when you lead a busy life or have a packed schedule where you are always surrounded by people. While there are many different techniques for meditation, the basics are all the same. Feel free to experiment until you find the style that suits you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure your environment is conductive to meditation. You will need a quiet room where no electronics are running. Unplug everything that hums or emits any sound even when turned off. If noise is an issue, try playing soft music or nature sounds to block off distractions. If you are meditating outside, look for a quiet corner, away from roads and biking or walking paths.

2. Work with your body. Some people do better in the mornings, on an empty stomach, while others prefer to meditate before going to bed. It is more important to listen to your body than to follow a rigid schedule imposed by somebody else. Once you found a time that works for you, try to meditate regularly, as this creates an impending sense of relaxation even before you actually sit down to do it.

3. Sit on the ground. While meditating on a chair or sofa is possible, most people agree that the direct contact with the ground is important. Use a cushion or mat for comfort. As long as you keep your back straight to allow for good breathing patterns, the ultimate position is secondary.

4. Focus on learning how to breathe properly. Patterns will become natural with time, but at the beginning, make sure you are sending air to your stomach (rather than your chest) every time you inhale. If you breathe deeply this way, chances are you will feel somewhat dizzy. Just slow down the breathing if this happens and your body will adjust.

5. Clear your mind. Start by controlling chattering and letting go of images and thoughts as they come into your mind, avoiding any judgment or analysis. You can also try concentrating your thoughts on a specific picture or word, reciting a mantra or counting your breaths.

Tips & Warnings

• Meditate for as long as you feel comfortable doing it. If ten minutes of silent and stillness is all you can handle, then do that. The quality of your concentration is a lot more important than how long you do it.
• Don’t meditate when you are extremely tired or you may fall asleep mid-way through the process.

[iamageniuster]

on 10/24/2008 Very nice article. Some good stuff here.

[iamageniuster]

on 10/24/2008 Very nice article. Some good stuff here.