Meditation is a great way to lower stress levels, get to know our pain, connect better, improve focus, and help us be kinder to ourselves.
How to meditate:
Meditation is harder than most people think. The key is to relax, set a timer, and give it a shot.
1) Take a seat:
Find a place to sit that's calm and quiet.
2) Set a time limit:
If you're just starting out, choose a short time such as 5 or 10 minutes.
3) Notice your body:
You can sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, you can on the floor cross-legged, or you can kneel. Find a position that's comfortable that you can stay in for a while.
4) Feel your breath:
Follow the sensation of your breath as you inhale and exhale.
5) Notice when your mind has wandered:
It's inevitable that your attention will leave your breath and your mind will wander. When you find your attention shifting, turn your attention back to your breath.
6) Be kind to your wandering mind:
Don't judge yourself for your wandering mind or obsess over your thoughts.
7) Close with kindness:
At the end of you mediation open your eyes and take a moment to notice the sounds around you. Notice how your body feels right now along with your thoughts and emotions.
That's all that's to the practice. You go away, you come back, and you try to do it as kindly as possible.
Cameron Greene
Author