Top Tips for Meditation Practice..

In my last blog I talked about about meditation and how, for many people, it has changed their lives, in both their perception and reaction to, well anything…. the problem is that most people who try it don’t actually succeed or stick with it long enough to see the benefits – because it’s hard work! But, if you can persevere the rewards can be great. I have put together a few tips to help you if you feel like it could be beneficial to help you achieve your goals..

1) Read a book or two on the art of meditation, even though its a personal thing you can learn from others, or if you prefer get an instructional DVD or CD. Nothing beats the real thing but an understanding will be helpful.

2) Invest in some relaxing music, this can really help take your mind of the stress of the day & create the right atmosphere

3) Plan ahead. Set aside time in the morning & evening to practice, it only need be 5 minutes to start with, & you can build from there

4) Prepare. Stretch before you begin, be comfortable, but not too comfortable! try to sit especially initially, so you don’t just fall asleep!

5) Choose the right place, be it your bedroom, or a sun room, just make sure you won’t be disturbed.

6) If unsure, try an actual meditation class to get initial instruction, many Yoga classes will incorporate meditation into their practice

7) Breathing. Is the best way to begin, breath in through the nose, pause, then breath out through the mouth, it will help relax you and begin to clear the mind of chit chat, it calms the nervous system.

8) Be aware of your body. Imagine a white light slowly passing down through the body going all the way down, with the breath, try to connect with your inner self

9) Use meditation throughout the day, if you feel stressed, take a moment, breath deep and move on from it (this works for me if in a rush and the traffic lights go red!)

10) Light a candle. Meditating with eyes closed can be hard for a beginner. Using a candle as a focus point allows you to keep your attention stronger. This can be very powerful.

11) Make meditation be the first thing you do when you wake up – it will set the tone for the whole day..

12) Be grateful – give thanks for the good things in your life, trying to maintain a positive outlook.

 You will no doubt go through a stage where you feel it simply isn’t working, this is when you really need to re-focus, re-read your books, talk to others who use this practice to help get you through. But, at the end of the day, realise that you do not have to be an expert at this, even you if manage to simply be more mindful, and just take time out to be ‘quiet’ – this can lead to living a calmer, more positive life.