How to Relax and Enjoy Meditating
Meditation is a personal and disciplined practice that leads to a state of consciousness, and also brings about serenity, clarity and bliss.
The Misconception of Meditating
Most people have the wrong impression of what meditation is all about. I'll admit that I too, was one of those people. I thought meditating was for the birds - for the wanna be hippies, yoga fanatics and people who had all the free time in the world.
After all, who has the time in this busy day and age to meditate?
That's a very easy question to answer. I'll tell you - we have all the time in the world to watch our favourite TV shows, to browse the Internet and to sleep - but, we can't spare 10 minutes a day to simply relax without any distractions?
Meditation is not for everyone, some people just don't enjoy it - and that's fine, everyone is entitled to their own option. I'm writing this article because I was one of those that simply didn't understand the concept (or the point) to sitting still and silently for at least 10 minutes a day.
WHY MEDITATE?
- It increases concentration
- It decreases feelings of anxiety
- It promotes a general feeling of happiness
I'm by far no expert, in fact I've only meditated a couple of times so far. I tried meditating this week after stretching and accepting the fact that I might not fully relax. I can't even begin to explain what I felt during those 10 minutes. The emotions I felt included calmness, happiness and acceptance. I was completely relaxed, so relaxed that I felt as though as I was drifting away from my body. Everything was put into perspective in those few minutes and I felt alive with hope and positiveness.
That's the reason for writing this article, because I truly believe in what I'm writing - in the art and practice of meditation. These are just a few tips I've found to start you on your journey of peace, acceptance and happiness...Enjoy!
WHERE TO START?
Ok, so you've made the choice to try meditating - well done! That's a great starting point. There are no hard and fast rules to meditation, only what you find most comfortable. These are a few tips to get you started:
- Find a quiet area - it can be a room, outside in the garden, on the patio or in the lounge
- Make your spot comfortable - sit on a cushion, or even a soft chair
- Dedicate 10 - 15 minutes each day to only meditating. Turn off all distractions - this includes cellphones, radios, etc.
- Stretch for 5 minutes before meditating. This helps warm up the muscles and relax even more
- Light candles and incense sticks of your favourite scents and place them in the room you are using
MORE Benefits to Meditating....
BODY
| MIND
| SPIRIT
|
|---|---|---|
Relaxes the nervous system
| Decreases thoughts of worry
| Provides peace of mind and hapiness
|
Decreases muscle tension
| Increases focus and concentration
| Helps you discover your purpose
|
Reduces anxiety
| Helps with Insomnia
| Brings the body, mind and spirit into harmony
|
Enhances the immunce system
| Builds self confidence
| Changes your outlook on life
|
Increases exercise tolerance
| Develops will power
| Creates a deeper relationship with your God
|
How Much Time Do You Spend Meditating?
"Meditation is the tongue of the soul and the language of our spirit"
- Jeremy Taylor
Feeling the Emotion
You've starting to relax, and you've got into a good breathing rhythm - you are completely calm. All of a sudden a huge wave of emotion washes over you.
Relax! This is completely normal. It's common to experience strong emotions during meditation.
If you are by nature an emotional person, this my be easy for you - however, if you are used to keeping your feelings bottled up inside and not showing your true self - it may come as a surprise, so be prepared.
When our emotions come to the surface during meditation, just let it be. They surface so that we are able to understand them more clearly, and in so doing - manage our lives more calmly and rationally. Fighting to suppress emotions is what often leads to anxiety and using up a lot of energy.
Write down or draw any overpowering, positive emotions you feel after meditating.
Letting Go of Stress
One of the main reasons people meditate is to keep the calm and balance in their own lives. Life is so demanding and stressful, it's important to take time out each day to relax and find some peace and quiet.
- Close your eyes
- Breathe deeply in through your nose for 4 counts - hold for a count of 1, and breathe out again through your mouth for a count of 5. Repeat
- Don't feel discouraged if your mind is busy during the first few minutes, or even the first time you meditate - just keep going
- You could imagine that each time you breathe in, you're bringing in positive feelings - and each time you breathe out, you're letting go of all the negative feelings, stress and depression
- Focus on your breath if your mind starts to wonder - really, listen to the sound you are making breathing
