Maybe you feel like the day passes you by without ever having noticed it was here. Or maybe you get easily caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts, to-do lists, emotions, or obligations. Reclaim your day by redirecting your thoughts. Starting a meditation practice, no matter how small, can be transformational in helping you be more present. It can put you in the driver’s seat of your life so you feel less susceptible to the roller coaster, and more able to engage from a grounded mind set.
Meditating really doesn’t need to be daunting. Here is a little help to get you started:
–Start small. Begin to cultivate a sustainable practice by being realistic. Can you commit to 5 minutes a day? If so, great – but if not work within what is available for you. Even one minute of focusing on the breath and looking inside will provide benefits
–Get comfy. Find a way that you can sit where your body feels great. Ideally the spine is straight, but know that the importance lies in stilling the mind. A body that is screaming at you is hard to ignore, so don’t!
–Let the thoughts fly. Allow yourself a transition time where its ok that your mind hasn’t quite settled down yet. We expect a lot of it all day, and it doesn’t quickly turn off. This is a practice, and not one that happens overnight, so accept that stillness will come. For now, let it be what it is.
–Watch the breath. In order to constantly have something to bring your mind back to, focus on your breathing. We’re all doing it all the time, so it is an easy focal point. Devote your attention so entirely to the breath that there isn’t room for thoughts.
Try it, but careful – you just might like it!