My first learned about meditation nearly 13 years ago; I was only 17 years old then. Even at that young age I had a genuine taste of the real tangible benefits of meditation as at then.
In this current age we live in, I can see it clearly now just how much it is needed as a tool to help cope with the stresses of daily life. I use the word ‘cope’ loosely there because there is so much more to be gained than just ‘coping without any good result’. To being constantly wired in the way we are, it is now more important than ever to switch off in the proper way and enable ourselves to reset and recharge now.
The best way to do that; bar none; is meditation.
Meditation is not a survival tool, it’s a “Thrival” tool. It’s way to help you excel and be at your absolute best. Many people have told me that they would like to meditate but would like to know where to start. Here are some simple tips for you.
Why meditate? Meditation is almost like a reset button.
All too easily we get stressed or overwhelmed and whilst in that state we can make poor choices.
I often relate it to a lack of sleep resulting in poor food choices through fatigue.
When you partake in meditation, it is the equivalent of having extra sleep. It recharges you; it makes you feel more refreshed; it allows you to reconnect with your spirit and your inner guiding voice. We often take counsel from outside sources, but meditation increases the inner volume.
It will enable you to pay attention to your true calling and really find your passion. Wonderfully, it doesn’t cost anything; it doesn’t take any energy to do it; all it takes is the choice to do it.
My great thoughts wander The way to have your mind wander as you meditate is completely natural. There are various practices that help you focus but here are my two preferred methods.
1. First is to use the count method. This is simple. To begin with, you count to 5 in your mind. You do it audibly so it’s clear. You begin with 5 and then you increase the count to 10. Most people struggle to make it to 5 without having their thoughts wander. That’s okay, if you use this very simple exercise to improve your focus, eventually you be able to stay in a state of meditation for longer without your thoughts wandering. As you become more experienced, you can then increase the count to 15, 20 seconds and so on.
2. The second method to help with wandering thoughts is to monitor you breathing. You can count the length of your inhale and exhale, or simply just become aware of you breathing. As you become more at ease with the process, listen to the sound of your heart, monitor individual sensations in your body and allow them to steal your focus rather than think about what happened during the day.
What to think about during meditation? This is where you can really have fun with meditation. Here you can be as imaginative as you like. You can use any kind of visualization, think about your goals, examine your results; you can use creative affirmations; you can use it as a manifestation process; pray; connect with the universal energy flow; increase your Qi and so much more. There is almost no limit. My personal preference is to use it as a wonderful time to reflect and be still and mindful. I feel a real sense of renewal when I allow myself to be still. After all, we’re all so wired in constantly these days, rarely do we allow ourselves a break from all the mayhem that is 21st century life.
Can I meditate during activities? Yes you can definitely meditate during activities or whilst on the move. I meditate on the train all the time or when I go for long country walks. However, in my experience, there is no substitute for sitting down in a quiet spot, closing my eyes and being still and silent. For me, that is the time when I reap the greatest rewards.
What if I don’t have the time? Are you really telling me that you can’t take 15 minutes out of your day to meditate? I sometimes do it just as I’m about to get into bed. Surely you can find 15 minutes that way right? If something is important to you, you will find the time. If it’s something you really want to do then make 15 minutes to invest doing this every day to feel the real value.
Even if that is a stretch then you don’t need to meditate for 15 minutes. In fact, I’ve found that around 6 minutes is enough to start seeing a real change in myself.
What about my religion? Meditation, in my opinion, has nothing to do with religion. I define it very differently. Sure, it is used in religion, but meditation is not a religious thing. I am not religious and don’t follow any one philosophy. It is a tool to invigorate the mind body and spirit. It is not any kind of religious indoctrination. If you have never tried meditation before, whether life is going great, or you’re not in such a great place, meditation will truly help to rejuvenate your entire being.
It was not quite long ago that some doctors actively laughed at fasting, now many are recommending it. It won’t be long before the medical community start to see and get a better understanding of meditation and the benefits. How do I know? Watch this space to find out more or subscribe to keep up with updates
In this current age we live in, I can see it clearly now just how much it is needed as a tool to help cope with the stresses of daily life. I use the word ‘cope’ loosely there because there is so much more to be gained than just ‘coping without any good result’. To being constantly wired in the way we are, it is now more important than ever to switch off in the proper way and enable ourselves to reset and recharge now.
The best way to do that; bar none; is meditation.
Meditation is not a survival tool, it’s a “Thrival” tool. It’s way to help you excel and be at your absolute best. Many people have told me that they would like to meditate but would like to know where to start. Here are some simple tips for you.
Why meditate? Meditation is almost like a reset button.
All too easily we get stressed or overwhelmed and whilst in that state we can make poor choices.
I often relate it to a lack of sleep resulting in poor food choices through fatigue.
When you partake in meditation, it is the equivalent of having extra sleep. It recharges you; it makes you feel more refreshed; it allows you to reconnect with your spirit and your inner guiding voice. We often take counsel from outside sources, but meditation increases the inner volume.
It will enable you to pay attention to your true calling and really find your passion. Wonderfully, it doesn’t cost anything; it doesn’t take any energy to do it; all it takes is the choice to do it.
My great thoughts wander The way to have your mind wander as you meditate is completely natural. There are various practices that help you focus but here are my two preferred methods.
1. First is to use the count method. This is simple. To begin with, you count to 5 in your mind. You do it audibly so it’s clear. You begin with 5 and then you increase the count to 10. Most people struggle to make it to 5 without having their thoughts wander. That’s okay, if you use this very simple exercise to improve your focus, eventually you be able to stay in a state of meditation for longer without your thoughts wandering. As you become more experienced, you can then increase the count to 15, 20 seconds and so on.
2. The second method to help with wandering thoughts is to monitor you breathing. You can count the length of your inhale and exhale, or simply just become aware of you breathing. As you become more at ease with the process, listen to the sound of your heart, monitor individual sensations in your body and allow them to steal your focus rather than think about what happened during the day.
What to think about during meditation? This is where you can really have fun with meditation. Here you can be as imaginative as you like. You can use any kind of visualization, think about your goals, examine your results; you can use creative affirmations; you can use it as a manifestation process; pray; connect with the universal energy flow; increase your Qi and so much more. There is almost no limit. My personal preference is to use it as a wonderful time to reflect and be still and mindful. I feel a real sense of renewal when I allow myself to be still. After all, we’re all so wired in constantly these days, rarely do we allow ourselves a break from all the mayhem that is 21st century life.
Can I meditate during activities? Yes you can definitely meditate during activities or whilst on the move. I meditate on the train all the time or when I go for long country walks. However, in my experience, there is no substitute for sitting down in a quiet spot, closing my eyes and being still and silent. For me, that is the time when I reap the greatest rewards.
What if I don’t have the time? Are you really telling me that you can’t take 15 minutes out of your day to meditate? I sometimes do it just as I’m about to get into bed. Surely you can find 15 minutes that way right? If something is important to you, you will find the time. If it’s something you really want to do then make 15 minutes to invest doing this every day to feel the real value.
Even if that is a stretch then you don’t need to meditate for 15 minutes. In fact, I’ve found that around 6 minutes is enough to start seeing a real change in myself.
What about my religion? Meditation, in my opinion, has nothing to do with religion. I define it very differently. Sure, it is used in religion, but meditation is not a religious thing. I am not religious and don’t follow any one philosophy. It is a tool to invigorate the mind body and spirit. It is not any kind of religious indoctrination. If you have never tried meditation before, whether life is going great, or you’re not in such a great place, meditation will truly help to rejuvenate your entire being.
It was not quite long ago that some doctors actively laughed at fasting, now many are recommending it. It won’t be long before the medical community start to see and get a better understanding of meditation and the benefits. How do I know? Watch this space to find out more or subscribe to keep up with updates
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