Meditation is one of the most powerful practices that you can incorporate into your life for not only peace of mind but optimal health and performance.  This powerful tool is available to you.  Consider dedicating time to the practice and reinforcing it every day.

 

BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

  • Improved Concentration
  • Reduces Stress
  • Increases Self-Awareness
  • Increases the feeling of Happiness
  • Contributes to a HeLifey LIfe Style
  • Increase Acceptance and the Ability to Let Go
  • Contribute to Slowing Aging and Immune and Cardiovascular Health
  • Contributes to Experiencing the Flow State

 

BASIC MEDITATION PRACTICE

  • Pick a time of day that you can dedicate to meditation when you don’t feel rushed and you can sit quietly.
  • Download a Meditation Timer to your iPhone or Andriod phone. I recommend the Insight Timer application. This application allows you to choose various gongs for beginning, interval and end points during your meditation practice.  It also allows you to set a “warm-up” period before the beginning gong rings.
  • Dedicate yourself to a time length to meditate. An optimal amount of time to meditate is 20 minutes. However, if you are just starting to meditate start with a 5-minute practice and gradually lengthen the time to 20-30 minutes.
  • Sit on a meditation cushion, bolster, yoga block or cushion as needed for comfort.  For most this also allows for a straight spine during meditation.
  • Close your eyes with your hands by your knees palms facing up or palms facing down and draw your attention to your breath.
  • Focus on your inhales and exhales. As you do this other thought will arise and try to get your attention. In a calm, relaxed manner let each thought come and go by gently refocusing on your breath.
  • Continue this gentle process until you hear the ending bell on your meditation timer.
  • Take a few moments before opening your eyes.
  • Make a statement of gratitude to y our higher power for giving you the strength and patience to do your meditation practice.

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS

  • Consistency is very important. The benefits of meditation are cumulative.  Make a decision to do your meditation practice consistently for 21 days.  This will help make your meditation practice an automatic habit.
  • As you meditate every day Journal what you notice about your focus, concentration, ability to let things go, and the overall effects of your meditation practice on your life.