Meditation is the practice that involves the use of techniques such as thinking, focusing on a particular object, or an activity to train awareness and attention. This practice aims to clear one’s mind and become emotionally stable. For most religions, it is a self-realization and enlightenment activity. In the recent past, people have adopted meditation in various contexts, such as health and business. This article examines six steps that you can use to learn how to meditate. They include the following:
Time and Place
The first step to learning meditation is to pick a specific time and place for the activity. It should be a committed practice, set a few times a week. It would help if you were to be clear about the time for meditation. The activity timing is also important to note. It could be fifteen to twenty minutes. The place you choose to sit should be relatively undisturbed.
A peaceful space enables you to focus exclusively on the activity and avoid external distractions. It doesn’t have to be a larger space. You can even choose to perform the practice at an outdoor bench as long as there is privacy. It would be best if you had enough discipline to maintain the same time. Honoring your routine helps achieve maximum benefits. The best time to meditate is in the morning before embarking on other activities. However, it is okay to schedule it whenever you are free and comfortable.
Dressing
When it comes to choosing the right wear for meditation, you can go for whatever choice you want, as long as you are comfortable. Make sure the clothes are not tight. If you are wearing a scarf, tie, or belt, you must loosen it before starting the process. Also, if you have any uncomfortable shoes on, remove them beforehand. Most people find it comfortable to wear nothing during meditation. However, if you are practicing outdoor meditation, it is vital to put on something. Kindly look for good ideas on the right meditation wear if you have no idea what to wear during meditation. Comfortable wear enables you to calm your mind and block any possible distraction. It can be hard to achieve this when in restrictive or tight clothes. If the environment you are practicing from is cold, bring with you a cardigan or a blanket.
Purpose
Why are you meditating? It would be best if you were clear on your motivation. The reasons for meditating vary with individuals. If you visit this page, you will realize that the reasons for practicing meditation are numerous. Most yogis practice it to help relax the body and minds. Others do it to get in touch with their energy or connect with something greater than them. Therefore, you ought to start with a clear motive before you meditate. If your goal is hazy, then I can assure you are going to struggle with the journey. It becomes hard to commit when you are uncertain about the reason. Some of the reasons people meditate are to feel calmer, more focused, happier, and less stressed, to mention a few. Your motivation helps you create the right meditation attitude as well as a commitment to the activity.
Sitting Position
Make sure to sit in a comfortable position. The goal is to be okay, even in your thoughts. The process starts with a quiet spot. Most individuals do it while sited on a cushion in either lotus or non-lotus positions. However, if you are not flexible enough, you can try other postures. It may cause pain in your legs, lower back, or hips causing discomfort. The bottom line is to find a position that allows you to stay straight and in a balanced posture. You can choose to stay on a bench outside your house as mentioned earlier in this article. While in your sitting position, make sure to tilt your pelvis forward enough that your spine is at the center of your sitting bones. These are the bones that carry your weight when sited. For beginners, it is vital to practice on an upright chair. It helps you familiarize yourself with the activity. It is also essential in correcting your sitting posture.
Duration
The period you meditate depends on the time available, your preference, or your life circumstances. For beginners, it is vital to try five minutes for a start. Once you get used to the activity, you can switch to ten or fifteen minutes. The time you pick should allow you to do basic meditation practices. You can start with breathing meditation. It involves choosing a place or object to focus on, with your breathing and mind.Â
Focus on the rising and falling of the abdomen when breathing. Make sure you breathe normally. Imagine an object above your navel, rising and falling with every breath you take. If your mind begins to wander while meditating, you shouldn’t stop. It is normal to experience such, especially when you are getting started on the practice.
Daily Practice
You should try and meditate every day at the same time. It helps make the practice a lifestyle, allowing you to benefit profoundly. It is a journey of a lifetime. You need to appreciate it as a skill and take sessions each day. Don’t get frustrated if it goes wrong at first. You need to understand that there is nothing like bad meditation. It is being aware of distraction and non-distraction moments and achieving self-realization through the process. The more you train your mind to be less distracted, the better your awareness stabilizes.
The meditation process is a simple practice. You only need to close your eyes or stay focused on something as you control your breathing. It is letting your mind to perform. Before you start, getting familiar with how meditation works and what to expect once you begin the practice is vital.
