Getting started with any new venture can be challenging and scary. If you are already experienced with some form of meditation, good for you. I encourage you to share your knowledge and experiences with others. But for those that are new, you could have many different feelings about the experience. Believe me when I say I totally understand, as there was a point in my life where I had no clue what the heck to do either. I had so many questions and felt awkward asking someone what seemed to be such simple things. I have heard lots of questions and excuses as to why people find it hard to meditate. I want to squash those myths and provide you with a few tips to make the experience that much more enjoyable.
In getting started, when is the best time to Meditate? – There is no perfect time, however, I find that either early morning, shortly after rising, or late evening, right before bed, are the best. Our body knows how to be still, we just have to give it the opportunity.
Is there a “right” way to sit? – The most important thing is being comfortable. You could meditate while lying in bed, however the position of lying down may trigger the body that it is time to go to sleep. An ideal is to sit comfortably with your feet touching the floor. This allows you the opportunity to really ground yourself.
My mind likes to wander! – It is normal for the mind to drift. Don’t judge when thoughts comes through, acknowledge them and let it be. If you find yourself thinking and focusing on a thought then just, bring your focus back to your meditation, you will soon slip back into the space between your thoughts.
I am not sure how to stay focused! – Focusing on your breath is a way to be in the moment and connect to spirit. We are not worrying about what we are going to have for dinner or feeling bad about the fight we had with our spouse last night. Our focus is on the present moment, here and now. Allow your your breath to flow easy and effortlessly.
How long should I meditate? The good news is that meditation does not have to take long. It can be shorter than going to the gym to workout. But in all seriousness, as little as 15 minutes per day to retreat and rejuvinate is beneficial. It is best to do a little bit each day.
Do I need to chant and make sounds? No you do not need to chant or make “om” sounds while meditating. You can be quiet and repeat a mantra quietly in your mind. However, all sounds have a vibration and as you practice you can enhance or create a different experience by tuning into the vibrational sounds of a chant, however it is not needed in order to experience the benefits of meditation.
I hope you are enjoying the free 21 day Deepak Chopra Meditation Series, if you missed it from last week, here is the link again for those that still want to jump on the bandwagon. https://chopracentermeditation.com/