Take a deep breath in through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Release the difficulties of life, if only for a second, and become aware of your present moment. Meditation, a widely praised practice in various communities, may seem daunting for beginners. However, there is no definitive right answer on where to start. Meditation takes shape in many forms, some unconventional and others more traditional. Simply sitting down and closing your eyes can be the beginning of your own meditation practice. At its core, it involves focusing on a specific object or idea, emptying the mind of troubles, and inducing relaxation.
Meditation is not about shutting off your brain though, it is an exercise, a tool that helps the mind regain focus and recover from the burdens of stress and challenges. Rather than trying to silence your thoughts, meditation involves redirecting the mind’s attention and concentrating on relaxation
A Basic Meditation
- You’ll want to find a comfortable place to either sit or lay down.
- Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Focus on the aspect of your breathing, not the breathing in itself. Otherwise, you will try to breathe faster, slower, or control your breathing. The point is to avoid focusing on the action of your breathing, more so on the sensation it provides.
- Throughout the practice, your mind will naturally wander. When you come across the points of stress, worry, or anxiety, release the thoughts from your mind and refocus on your breathing.
- Continue, letting go of your troubles and gradually relaxing your mind and body.
- Doing just 2 to 3 minutes of daily practice can help you relieve the stress you feel in your everyday life.
Feel free to enhance your meditation practice with music or imagery if it resonates with you. Many people find solace in using a particular song or image as a way to connect with themselves and release negative thoughts. Remember, your meditation practice is personal and unique to you. There are no strict rules or guidelines for achieving a perfect meditation session. It ultimately comes down to your own thoughts and focus, enabling you to relax and let go.
Keep exploring different approaches and techniques to find what works best for you. The beauty of meditation lies in its adaptability to suit your individual needs and preferences. Boomer!
Sources
https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/meditation
