WHAT IS BASIC MEDITATION?

Meditation

I love Wikipedia for research! Here is part of their definition of meditation.

“…meditation refers to a … variety of practices … to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness …(and) to enable its practitioner to enjoy an indestructible sense of well-being while engaging in any life activity

ALMOST NO-ONE IS REALLY GOOD AT IT!

WHO CARES?!!

Swamiji Chinmayananda

One of my favorite teachers was Swamiji Chinmayananda, (an investigative reporter turned Himalayan monk).  He used to say meditating is like riding a stationary bike in your home. “You know all along you’re not going anywhere. It’s the practice that counts.”

To paraphrase Shirley MacLaine, every time you stare at a candle flame, a sunset, waves of the ocean, or a fire in the hearth, you are meditating. Other people call it “zoning out.”

We all do it; we just don’t call it meditation. We can benefit more by doing it consciously and daily, even if only for a few minutes.

MY INTRO MEDITATION CLASS

I teach a 3 hour class on the similarities and differences among affirmations, creative visualizations, and meditation. The greatest compliment I got was: not one person looked at a cell phone during the entire class, and they asked for an all-day class! Contact me if you would like to book it as a seminar or webinar. Students love it, and I love teaching it!

YOU CAN DO IT WITHOUT ME!

MENTAL CLARITY BENEFITS!

In the first year I had to do a budget for many departments, it took me two weeks to compile. I began meditating the next year, and the change in my mental clarity resulted in its taking me two hours to do the same kind of budget.

In addition, no matter what the circumstances, I was able to maintain a centered sense of calm in all aspects of life.

PHYSICAL / BODY BENEFITS

Balance

• balance of mind/body/spirit
• lower blood pressure/heart rate
• improved blood circulation
• slower respiratory rate
• reduced anxiety
• lower blood cortisol levels
• increased feelings of well-being
• less stress/deeper relaxation

Meditation How To Start …

  NO, YOU DON’T HAVE TO SIT IN THIS POSE!

BUT, IT DOES HELP ALIGN THE ENERGY CENTERS, KNOWN AS “CHAKRAS.”

When possible, set aside a space (large or small) where you will meditate daily, so that going there begins to put you in the mindset of quieting your thoughts, emotions, so you can concentrate on your breath. Meditating in the same place often helps you develop the habit and makes starting easier as time passes.

Sit or lie comfortably, preferably without crossing your legs, ankles, or arms. If you sit, put your feet firmly on the floor/ground. The most important thing is to be comfortable without falling asleep, and you may have to change the position of your body before the meditation ends.

1. Take in and release three, deep breaths of air and become fully aware of your body and breath.
2. Close your eyes and let your face, eyes, and mouth relax.
3. Notice how your body moves, as you inhale and exhale, but don’t try to control the breath. Breathe naturally. (You might begin to breathe more slowly and deeply as a natural occurrence of calming your mind and emotions.
4. If your mind wanders, simply return your focus back to your breath. Maintain this meditation practice for 2–3 minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods.

zen meditation space

That’s all there is to it for a simple relaxation technique you can use to de-stress – even at work or in other venues.  Later, you can get into all the additional techniques and practices, some of which are described in my class.

Feel free to contact me, if you would like more information or for me to write a guided meditation on a particular subject.

Being well means health in body, mind, spirit and emotions!  Let’s DO IT!

Let’s Get Well, Stay Well, and Live Well!