Sometimes when I’ve mentioned the word ‘meditate’ in the past to some of my clients, almost immediately their response would be “I’ve already tried to meditate, it doesn’t work for me.” I’m here to let you know that there are many different styles of meditation, all you need to do is test drive some of them to see if there’s one right for you.
You could choose from:
1. A writing meditation – using either the dominant or non-dominant hand
2. Focussing on an object such as a candle
3. Repeating Mantras
4. A visually guided meditation - there are so many beautiful ones available (check out this page http://bit.ly/9euRQV for colour meditation scripts you can use)
5. Painting or sketching
6. Walking - anywhere
7. ‘Breath’ work
8. Body movement
9. Swimming
10. Listening to soothing music
11. Counting ’stuff’
Maybe you’ve already tried to meditate and found yourself even more frustrated than before you started. Two comments I’ve heard in the past regarding meditation which stand out for me are:
1. To meditate you must completely clear your mind and think nothing.
Yeah like that will happen. Personally this has never worked for me nor have I observed this to work with those new to meditation. How can new recruits to this practise think nothing? Words as well as immediate issues arise, and mind chatter just keeps on keeping on. There is some good news though, and that is you can learn to overcome this through practise coupled with patience.
2. If you’re stressed, meditate.
Speaking from experience, if I am pretty stressed out (which incidentally happens rarely) and I try to have a decent meditation session, it rarely works well for me. For a start I’m simply not ready and unprepared eg, not in the present moment and still in problem-solving mode. From my observation of others when they’re stressed and try to meditate they become more frustrated because they’re unable to focus and get into the zone. The secret is to prepare yourself adequately first.
Find yourself a technique you know you’ll enjoy so practising will be a positive experience. Alternatively find yourself a meditation group that has a good teacher. Not only will you learn to meditate, you might also form some great friendships that will last a lifetime.
Meditation is a discipline that can be learned through a step by step process, and once adept, you can use it for any number of reasons. Decide if your meditation is for relaxation; connection to spirit or self; to achieve clarity of mind; or to regain some inner strength.
My reasons for meditation are numerous. I meditate on purpose to receive answers to questions I might have. Before going into a meditative state I write down exactly what my question is, give it a timeline, and wait. Generally the answer is received during the session or shortly afterwards, depending of course on the timeline I gave. I might even use meditation to first get into the zone, then do a little self-hypnosis.
I’ll also meditate to access my creative self. After I’ve jotted down what my intention is I go into a meditative state with pen and paper handy. Generally what happens for me is that I start receiving ideas one after the after which I quickly jot down. I’ve written an entire workshop through one of these meditation sessions.
A great self healing tool, whenever I feel ‘flat’ I might use colour, sound, or an essential oil blend for my meditation sessions. After each session I am lighter, centred, balanced, and more focused.
So if you’re ready now and keen to start with some serious or light hearted meditation, simply follow the 10 basic points listed below to help you on your way:
1. Decide where and when you want to meditate (any distractions around you?)
2. You might get yourself ready by putting on soothing music and a relaxing aromatherapy oil blend. Activate the answering machine. Is there anything else you need?
3. You might like to have a journal and pen ready for some note taking at the end of your meditation to jot down any inspirations and insights that may reveal themselves to you.
4. Spend a little while settling into your space until you’re happy with your comfort level. Are you too cold or hot or is the temperature just right?
5. Slowly begin breathing in and out, using your diaphragm muscles tuning into the rhythm of your breathing and the rise and fall of your chest.
6. You may wish to close your eyes at this point and enjoy this peaceful, relaxing moment, closing the door to the outside world for now.
7. If closing your eyes is not for you, focus on an object such as a candle (take extra care with any lit flame) or something similar.
8. If images or internal chatter starts to become frustrating, avoid suppressing them, instead name them, release them, and move on. If this persists, make a mental note that you will deal with it after your session. Refocus on your inward and outward breathe, then continue.
9. When you’re ready to come back, return wide awake and alert, wriggling your toes and touching your nose and have a really, really big stretch.
10. Enjoy this present moment and notice what you notice.
Welcome back! If you haven’t tried meditation yet, why not give it a go? Add another ‘life skill’ to your resource toolkit and enjoy greater health and wellbeing!
Tags: clear your mind, essential oil blend, mantras, meditate, meditation, meditation is a discipline, meditation sessions, self healing tool, self-hypnosis, stressed, visually guided meditations
Website Feed