Meditation comes with many benefitsincluding boosting mood, increasing energy, and tempering stress.
And this practice is for everyoneeven those of us who think we can’t sit still.
Here are 10 easy tips to start meditating right now and maintain a daily practice:
1.
We tend to make meditation more complicated and challenging than necessary.
Start by taking a comfortable seat.
If you’re not, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor.
Make it a ritual.
Set a clearly designatedspace for meditation.
You’ll also want to practice at the same time every day.
Start with the same protocol for each meditation.
Posture 101: Sit up nice and tall by straightening your spine.
Sit in a chair or against a wall if you’re gonna wanna.
Lengthening the spine can help increase your circulation and keep you alert.
Start where you are.
If 10 minutes seems overwhelming, begin with five.
Be nice to yourself (really nice!).
As renowned meditation teacherSally Kemptonsays, “Meditation is relationship.”
Ultimately, it’s all about your relationship to yourself.
The way you do anything is the way you do everything.
Meditation teaches us radical acceptance, compassion, and unconditional love.
Be sweet to your convoluted mind.
Surrender to exactly who you are and what is happeningright here, right now.
And don’t forget to smile!
Meditation is a practice of self-inquiry.
Just observe and understand without judgment.
Then recommit to your practice without making excuses.
Find a meditation buddy.
Accountability is the answer to your excuses.
Find a buddy to commit to meditating with.
Find a friend who is also beginning to meditate, or join a Facebook group or online course.
Your struggle is normal…but it will get easier.
As the Ashtanga guruPatthabi Joissays, “Practice.
All is coming.”
Think of meditation as bicep curls for the muscle of your mind.
You are training your brain to focus, concentrate, and let go.
Over time, with consistency, it will become easier to drop into.
Start a meditation journal.
End your practice each day by observing how you feel.
What is happening in your body?
What is your emotional state?
Make note of any changes so they register in your body and conscious mind.
This will help you stay motivated and committed.
