First you need to remember that it is called a practice. Meditation is something we experiment with and do versus conceptualizing and talking about. The use of the word practice is important because it’s not ” Practice makes perfect” it’s practice makes it easier to practice!
So think about this as a continuing process of learning more about yourself. Learning how your mind thinks, learning how to instill calm and quiet into your space. It’s not about trying make your thoughts go away. It’s about learning how to watch your thoughts appear and disappear from your mind’s eye.
1. Start Slow:
Meditation can be a powerful practice, but it’s important to start slow. Start with just a few minutes a day, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend meditating as you become more familiar with the practice.
2. Find a Quiet Place:
Find a quiet place where you can focus on your meditation without distractions. This could be your bedroom, living room, or a quiet corner of your home.
3. Get Comfortable:
Make sure you’re comfortable before you start meditating. Find a comfortable position that allows you to relax and focus on your breath.
4. Focus on Your Breath:
One of the most important aspects of meditation is focusing on your breath. Pay attention to how it feels in your nose and throat, and how it moves in and out of your body.
5. Let Go of Thoughts:
Don’t get too attached to any thoughts that come up during your practice. Simply acknowledge them, and then let them go.
6. Be Kind to Yourself:
Meditation can be challenging, especially for beginners. Be kind to yourself and don’t get discouraged if your mind wanders.
7. Create a Routine:
Establish a daily routine that works for you. This will help you make meditation a habit and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your practice.
For me, not judging “how I did” during a meditation and being kind to myself was the hardest part about getting started, and sticking to it on a consistent basis.
I had to schedule a time every morning when I was going to do my meditation. For me, that’s right before I step out of bed. I like that feeling of being half awake and half asleep and consciously connected to a sense of deep peace while being aware of taking long, slow, deep, powerful breaths.
I now of others who want to get up and get moving first, then add this to their morning routine, or their evening routine.
And remember, you don’t need to sit there for an hour to call it meditation. Just one conscious breath gets you started. So start with one.
