MEDITATION

Since meditation can be a deeply personal experience, I recommend doing any type of meditation that “resonates” with your soul.  Daily meditation is recommended even if you can only do 5 to 10 minutes in the morning and/or 5 to 10 minutes before bed as these consistent, even short, periods of meditation can have amazing healing affects.

Start off doing small amounts of meditation if you are not accustomed to meditating. Trying to meditate for long periods of time can be very frustrating for beginners. Increase the time of your meditation practice as you become comfortable with the process.

Contact me if you want more information and tools on how to meditate as there are many meditation techniques. Articles and videos can be found on my site regarding meditation.

BENEFITS OF MEDITATION:

• Shuts off the sympathetic nervous system, allowing the body and adrenals to heal

• Helps the body and mind to unwind

• Assists in relaxation and deeper sleep

• Lowers oxygen consumption

• Encourages self-discovery and enlightenment

• Assists in healing the body on all levels and can heal and improve physical health

• Eliminates stress

• Increases blood flow and slows the heart rate

• Decreases muscle tightness and tension

• Improves self confidence

• Rewires the brain

WHERE TO MEDITATE:

A quiet place in nature such as the beach, the woods, or a park.

Is possible, set aside a place in your home that is tranquil. Surround this area with things that bring you peace, such as candles, pictures, statues or other items that you find calming.

If you cannot carve out a tranquil space, any spot will do!

HOW TO MEDITATE:

Remove all distractions - kids, dogs, and other elements that may disrupt your meditation time.

Turn off your phone or place it on silence mode.

Turn on any music or guided meditation program if you choose to use this as part of your practice. If you are using guided programming, you can skip the following recommendations and follow the instructions as directed.

Determine the length of time you wish to meditate. You may want to set a timer with a chime to signal the end of your meditation. This will allow you to avoid watching the clock.

Assume a comfortable position, either lying or seated and remain as still as possible.

Focus on bringing cleansing breathes in and out through the nose, increasing the length of the breath as you become acclimated and comfortable with your breath. Let your breath find a rhythm.

Allow all thoughts to come and go. You will think! Everyone has thoughts that enter the mind approximately every six seconds. During meditation, it is advised to let these thoughts pass through the mind. Do not spend time ruminating on the thought but imagine putting in a bubble and letting it float away.

When you feel distracted, come back to the breath which helps you stay in the present.

At the end of your meditation, gently bring awareness back to your body. Move and return to your day, or evening, slowly and with gratitude.

Ending meditation with gratitude for something in your life is a wonderful way to start your day off on the right foot or enhance your sleep as you prepare for bed.