 How to Meditate, Part by Part
Despite the relaxing nature of meditating, it's not an activity that can be done without any preparation or a good disposition. It takes some degree of planning and discipline in order to get results that are both effective and long lasting.
There are many simple, yet necessary aspects (or parts, as we like to call them) that can make your meditation experience much more practical and enjoyable.
How to Meditate Part 1: The purpose.
When you start a meditation session, decide what is it that you want to achieve or at least what is the purpose of that meditation session in particular. Do you want to relax and forget your daily problems? Do you want to connect with your inner self? Maybe you just want to find inner peace. Whatever the desired result is, you're more likely to achieve it if you establish it from the beginning.
How to Meditate Part 2: The schedule.
Many find it hard to believe how often this part is forgotten or overlooked. Always set a fixed schedule for your meditation sessions. It'll make it much easier to follow a discipline and avoid postponing your meditation sessions. And with time, you'll find that you'll tend to have fewer interruptions during your sessions.
How to Meditate Part 3: The attire.
Meditation is all about controlling and focusing your mind. Therefore, the less self-conscious you are, the better. Always wear comfortable footwear and clothes. Even if you're tired after work, take some minutes to change into something comfortable. Some people even have a set of clothes for meditating, but even some comfortable pajamas will do.
How to Meditate Part 4: The surroundings.
Don't meditate just anywhere. You'll definitely feel better and at ease if you set a fixed place for your meditation sessions. The place should be clean, and if possible, it should have simple things that are nice to look at, for example, a plant. In addition, you can keep objects that you need to meditate there, such as your meditation pillow, rug, candles, etc.
How to Meditate Part 5: Leave the world outside.
This is much easier said than done. However, you can take some actions to free your mind of the problems and worries of the day. For example, do you need to make an important call? Make it before your session. Otherwise, you'll have the phone number dancing in your mind and poking at you during the session. Do you have children? Send them to bed before your session to avoid interruptions. Of course, it helps if you set a convenient schedule (see Part 2 above) for your meditating. Another thing that really helps is to take the phone off the hook (don't forget to turn your cell phone off, too).
How to Meditate Part 6: The long term goals.
Much like any other activity, mediating takes time and practice before you become good at it and see results that can make a difference. You wouldn't expect to lose a lot of weight after a week in the gym or to learn French with only two classes, now would you? Well, it's similar with mediation. Create long-term goals that are realistic. You may need to consult with your guide for this. Setting unrealistic goals, or expecting to accomplish too much in too little time, will only generate frustration and disappointment.
|
|
|
