|
Whenever I’ve taught meditation there'd be those that immediately ‘got it’, and those who found it a struggle. However, with continued practise and learning how to refocus, those who initially struggled eventually also 'got it'. Not only that, after time they discovered their own unique way of getting into the zone quickly and easily.
There are many different styles of meditation, so which one is right for you?
You can choose from:
1.A writing meditation – using either the dominant or non-dominant hand
2.Focussing on an object such as a candle
3.Repeating Mantras
4.A visually guided meditation
5.Through painting or sketching
6.Walking - anywhere
7.Through breath work
8.Body movement
9.Swimming
10.Listening to soothing music
To find one you’re going to be happy with try and road test a few first.
Maybe you’ve already tried to meditate and found yourself even more frustrated than before you started.
Two comments I’ve heard in the past regarding meditation that really stand out for me are:
1. To meditate you must completely clear your mind and think nothing.
Yeah right. Personally this has never worked for me, nor have I observed this to work with newcomers. How can anyone new to this practise think nothing? Words as well as immediate issues arise, and mind chatter just keeps on keeping on. The good news is that you can learn to overcome this; it just takes some practise coupled with patience.
2. If you’re stressed, meditate.
Speaking from experience, if I am pretty stressed out (which incidentally happens rarely) and I try to have a decent meditation session, it rarely works well for me. For a start I’m not adequately prepared eg, not in the present moment and still in problem solving mode. From my observation of others when they’re stressed and try to meditate they become further frustrated because they’re unable to stay focussed and get into the zone. The secret is to prepare yourself adequately first.
Find yourself a technique you know you’ll enjoy so practising will be a positive experience. Alternatively find yourself a meditation group that has a good teacher. Not only will you learn to meditate, you might also form some great friendships that will last a lifetime.
Meditation is a discipline that can be learned through a step by step process, and once adept, you can use it for any number of reasons. Decide if your meditation is for relaxation; connection to spirit or self; to achieve clarity of mind; or to regain some inner strength.
My reasons for meditation are numerous. I meditate on purpose to receive answers to questions I might have. Before going into a meditative state I write down exactly what my question is, give it a timeline, and wait. Generally the answer is received during the session or shortly afterwards, depending of course on the timeline I gave.
I’ll also meditate to access my creative self. After I’ve jotted down what my intention is I go into a meditative state with pen and paper handy. Generally what happens for me is that I start receiving ideas one after the after which I quickly jot down. I've written an entire workshop through one of these meditation sessions.
A great self healing tool, whenever I feel ‘flat’ I’ll use colours, crystals, sound, and essential oils for my meditation sessions. After each session I am lighter, centred, balanced, and more focused.
So if you're now ready and keen to get started with some serious (or light hearted) meditation simply follow the 10 basic points listed below to help you on your way:
1.Decide where and when you want to meditate.
2.Get yourself ready by putting on soothing music and have your aromatherapy oil burning with your favourite oil blend. Activate the answering machine. Is there anything else you need?
3.You might like to have a journal and pen ready for some note taking at the end of your meditation with inspirations and insights that come to you.
4.Spend a little while settling into your space until you’re happy with your comfort level. Are you too cold or hot or is the temperature just right?
5.Slowly begin breathing in and out, using your diaphragm muscles tuning into the rhythm of your breathing and the rise and fall of your chest.
6.You may wish to close your eyes at this point and enjoy this peaceful, relaxing moment, closing the door to the outside world for now.
7.If closing your eyes is not for you, focus on an object such as a candle (take extra care with any lit flame) or something similar.
8.If images or internal chatter starts to become frustrating, avoid suppressing them, instead name them, release them, and move on. If this persists, make a mental note that you will deal with it after your session. Refocus and continue.
9.When you’re ready to come back, return wide awake and alert, wriggling your toes and touching your nose and have a really, really big stretch.
10.Use your journal to write any insights or inspirations you may have had during your journey, or simply enjoy the present moment with greater clarity and peace.
Welcome back! If you haven’t tried meditation yet, why not give it a go? Add another ‘life skill’ to your resource toolkit and enjoy greater health and wellbeing!
About the Author
Michaela is a Transformational Coach, certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), writer and Metaphysician who is totally committed to helping others create positive and action oriented changes to their lives (see http://www.michaelascherr.com)
Michaela is the author of several e-books including Book of 10 Colour Meditation Scripts and publisher of a monthly newsletter called From My Desk.
Written by: Michaela Scherr
|
 |
Home
Does My Life Make A Difference
Eight Characteristics that Give a Man the Absolute Best Chance to Score with Women
Wow You Have Amazing Woodwork
Hot Tubs
Blinds Give Your Home A New Lease On Life
Call China Connect with the Great Wall of Civilization
How to Talk on the Phone When You Have a Preschooler
Corrugated Roofing Materials used for Roofing any Structure
Are you happy with your hairdresser and salon
Bedridden Mother baby shower party
Cat history cat Myths Advantages of keeping cats as Pets over Dogs
How to While Away a Winter Sunday Afternoon with the Kids and Teach a Little EQ at the Same Time
The Top 10 Fun Things for Parents and Toddlers to Play With
Hummingbirds
Hobby or Hinderance
Settling In Pre Move Pointers for Taking Stock
Moving Tips And Information
The Life and Works of Vincent van Gogh
Duke Ellington Starring in The Evolution of Jazz
Home Improvement For Ladies
How to Survive Christmas using the Tarot
Home Study What Life enhancing Skill do You Learn
Wedding Favors that Embrace Natures Beauty
Decorating with Shabby Chic
Cat history and Advantages of Keeping Cats
Making a Childs Handprint on a Ceramic Tile
Some Valuable Steps On Applying Clown Makeup Seriously Where Not Clowning Around Here
Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items
Natural Stress Relief Without a Doctor
How To Generate Ideas For Your Bedroom Design
Faux Painting Finishes
How To Decorate A Room For Just 35
|