Meditation and How to Start

Meditation is the key to everything. When you calm the chatter in your head the clarity and calm that you receive is utterly beautiful. You feel as though you have answers for everything. There is no struggle or indecision. The following will help you with how to get started, different meditation techniques you can try, and the benefits of meditation.

How to Begin Meditation

The way to begin meditation is to take a comfortable seat in an upright position (so you don’t fall asleep). Close your eyes and take 5 slow deep breathes in and then out. At first this is quite challenging to sit still for even 1 minute let alone 5! You will notice your thoughts won’t stop coming in. That’s okay and totally normal. Allow them to come in the way a cloud drifts by– watch them roll in and then out. Try not to process any of these thoughts. Your mind is so used to the constant chatter it will take some time before it learns how to quiet.

In the beginning you may need to occupy your mind with something to do so those pesky thoughts don’t take over. A good idea is repeating a mantra silently in your mind (a commonly repeated word or phrase that has meaning to you). For example, your mantra could be, “I am calm, I am peace” Anything that relaxes you. The word “om” as a mantra is very easy and commonly used for meditation. It is a powerful Hindu word that means the union of mind, body, and spirit. When chanted, the sound of om is actually three syllables – a, u, and m. Pronunciation: aaaaauuuuummmmm

You can practice meditation anywhere– especially if you are waiting for anything (stuck on a plane, standing in line) or if you can’t sleep. As with anything else, the more you practice the better you get at it.

The goal is to sit quietly. At first it feels almost impossible but if you stick with it, it will get easier and you will be able to sit longer. The important thing is to have PATIENCE with yourself and know that you are not doing it “wrong”. With regular meditation you will begin to be present and in the moment of your life. This is how young children are. You will be calmer and more effective at whatever task you are focused on. Most importantly, you will feel lighter and able to be “playful” again.

Different Meditation Techniques

In my coaching classes you will learn, try and experiment with different ways of meditation so you can find what works for you. Some meditation techniques are, repeating a mantra, walking silently, guided meditation, breath work, chanting, walking meditation, and gazing meditation.

Benefits of Meditation

You will find that there are more benefits from meditation than you realized, such as: better focus, control of your emotions, weight loss, improved sleep and much more to balance your life and happiness.