What Is Mediation?
If you’re new to meditation or want some new ideas, then this article is for you!
Meditating is the art of silencing one’s mind in order to rest it. It also provides opportunities for growth and healing.
Meditation Benefits
The benefits of meditating are limitless although here are some to take note of:
- Reduces racing thoughts by quieting the mind
- Improves mental stamina and focus
- Better sleep, nutrition, and overall health
- Builds confidence and self worth
- Breaks one free from the subconscious programming
- Understands how to be present
Physical training : physical bodies = meditation : minds.
Be Patient With Yourself
Know that the time it takes to experience the benefits of meditating are unique to each individual, so one may experience benefits within a month or two, while another may benefit after several months. For me, it took 2 weeks.
There is one key idea one needs to be aware of that seems to be a pattern among those that begin meditating: it can be overwhelming at first.
Think of a dog that’s been in its kennel all day and has some pent up energy. When you take that dog outside, it’s so excited to let all that energy out it pulls on the leash or runs around excitedly. Your mind is like that dog. It has so many thoughts pent up and needs a release, so you have to commit to stick with it and have faith you will feel peace one day.
How To Meditate
This is what I suggest:
Set your intention to meditate for 5 minutes and tell yourself “I am going to meditate for 5 minutes. My mind does not defy me and I am not what my thoughts say I am”.
Start with 5 minutes per day. Set a timer on your phone or watch. You can increase the time to 10 minutes after you start to feel more comfortable. And eventually 30 minutes or more.
Sit in a place that you won’t be disturbed.
Relax and close your eyes.
Focus on deep breaths in your nose and out your mouth, counts of 4 each. (Once you’re comfortable, you can inhale and exhale using your nose, however exhaling out of your mouth also releases negative energy.)
For example: long slow inhale in nose count 1, 2, 3, 4 then long exhale out of mouth count 1, 2, 3, 4.
Continue focusing on your breaths.
Allow your mind to think freely. Let it think, say, picture whatever it wants while you continue to breathe.
Detach from what your mind is saying. Allow it to flow away from you. For some, they picture the words and pictures flying into the sky away from them. Detach however you feel works best for you.
Keep going and flow through those 5 minutes.
Be Comfortable Getting Uncomfortable
It’s going to be uncomfortable, yet it gets better after continued practice. Getting uncomfortable is the only way to grow.
Let me know how it went! Do you meditate regularly and feel you can offer some insight for those who are new to meditating? Let’s connect!
P.S. Let me know if you want to learn more!
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