More and more folks are researching and practicing meditation these days and for good reason. Our lives are more hectic than ever and the stress is making us sicker. Meditation can have a positive affect on both your mind and body and help you live a more relaxing and healthier life.
For those not familiar with meditation it doesn’t have to be something just for yoga instructors or those practicing Tai Chi, anyone can meditate. There are many different ways to do so as well. For the most part you simply want to be in a place with few if no distractions, somewhat quiet, but soft nature sounds can be pleasant. Spending about 15-20 minutes either daily or at least 4 times per week will help you to reap the most benefit. You can start with 5-10 minutes and increase as you get better at it and are able to relax easier.
It’s often best to remain in a seated position and not lying down or you may fall asleep, which may be all right if you are tired, but won’t help your meditation practise as much. You don’t need to sit on the floor with your legs crossed like you may have seen on TV. Sitting in a comfortable chair or sofa or even your bed is fine.
What you think about or don’t think about is up to you. Here are a few ways in which some people have practiced meditation in the past. You can think of a single word, anything you want, but let’s say something either positive or neutral would be best. Just slowly repeat the word in your mind over and over. You can think of something relaxing like laying on a beach enjoying the sounds of the surf and the warm sun or being next to a stream listening to the sounds of the water flowing downstream. You might enjoy thinking of each part of your body relaxing starting either from your head to your feet or visa versa. One of these ways is best. If you try to think of nothing, as some gurus might teach, your mind will wander more and you may have more trouble concentrating.
Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth is most useful because it uses both sides of your brain and will help you center faster.
You may think you don’t have time to meditate, but it’s important to take some time for yourself, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes per day right before bed. You can always set your alarm clock to rise 10-15 minutes earlier in the morning when the house may be quieter. Choose whatever time you think will work best for you and if necessary let the other people in your house know what you are doing, so they can be considerate of your time as well.
Practicing meditation has many healthy benefits for both your mind and body. You will be calmer, more grounded, make decisions easier, worry less about what others are doing or not doing, lower your stress levels, lower your blood pressure, loosen tight muscles, helps with emotional stability, helps control appetite, helps your creativity level and last but not least your overall happiness will increase.
It’s hard to imagine that 15-20 minutes a day can help you so much, but it has been proven over time. Of course you must practise regularly and it won’t happen overnight, but keep at it and you’ll soon reap the rewards which will make you want to stick with it even more.
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