Meditation Tips
Meditation is one of the basic principles of yoga. It is a mental discipline which involves focusing the mind’s attention on a single point in an effort to achieve complete stillness of mind. It induces relaxation and a sense of peace. This, however, is easier said than done. If you plan to start practicing meditation, it’ll be worthwhile to remember the following points:
Allocate Time -Make time for meditation in your daily schedule. Establishing a routine trains your body and mind and helps them adapt and accept the practice. Even fifteen minutes of meditation daily has a positive impact.
While you can meditate at any time of the day, it is extremely beneficial to start your day with meditation as it energizes and prepare you for the day ahead. People who are suffering from disturbed sleeping patterns, however, are better off practicing meditation before bed. This ensures unbroken sleep.
Peaceful Environment- Finding a calm space to practice meditation is especially important for beginners. If there are any disturbances around, you are bound to get distracted; your mind will waver and lose focus. Unlike the treadmill or cycle, you cannot practice meditation with the TV or radio on.
Find what calms you the best- Many people find it easier to meditate with soothing music in the background. Others find scented candles and incense sticks to be comforting. It is important to feel relaxed when you start practicing meditation.
Posture - Meditation can be done anywhere – sitting on a chair, cross legged on the floor, lying in bed. Choose the option that suits you the best. However, always remember to hold your shoulders broad and keep your head and spine straight. This is important for breathing as well as normal functioning of your organs.
Focus- Focusing and keeping a still mind are the hardest parts of meditation. The mind is constantly wandering; always judging, analyzing, remembering, rationalizing, etc. Meditation requires you to focus on a single point and attain stillness. You should understand that this only comes with practice. To begin with try maintaining focus by concentrating on your breathing, or by chanting, or visualizing an image that soothes you. The longer you practice the easier it will be for you to control your mind and vacate it of random clutter.
Breathe- It is very important to breathe while meditating. We tend to use shallow breathes which only utilize a part of our lung capacity. Meditation and yoga require you to breathe fully. Draw the breath from your abdomen instead of the chest.
Patience- Don’t give up! Meditation isn’t something you can pick up from a book or by watching a DVD. It is an internal and highly personalized process. Chances are you won’t be able to shut the world out the first few times your try. You’ll still benefit from sitting down and breathing fully. As time passes, it will get easier, and the benefits will increase.
