Meditation is a practice used to relax by disengaging from regular activities and focusing on the moment. Releasing thoughts and worries by being mindful.
First forms of meditations have been undertaken with the purpose of rituals, traditions, and beliefs. It has been implemented since antiquity, and from the 19th century, it began to expand from Eastern to Western countries significantly. Currently, meditations practices although widely know, they are still reaching more people who are interested in advancing their life reaping the benefits of mindfulness. Meditation practices are being continuously researched by specialists like psychologists and neurologists as well as others to gain full awareness of how meditation can benefit large groups of people and individuals.
You can create a practice that will fit your lifestyle. You can meditate anywhere, as long as it’s safe to close your eyes and focus your attention on breathing. Depending on the type of practice you’ll choose, different meditations can impact your state immediately. Most likely, you won’t have a clear mind during your first meditation. Meditating is a journey and to gain its rewards, it will take you some practice, but as research shows it’s worth it. You might be able to see the first results after a few meditation sessions.
There are a few common excuses that people use to avoid practicing meditation.
“I don’t have time” — You can meditate even just for a minute or less, using guided meditations, sounds, or focusing on breathing in and out.
“I’m too fidgety” — Meditation can help you with that long-term, and it might be best for you to start with practices that don’t last longer than a few minutes.
“I tried once; it doesn’t work for me.” — Trying once isn’t enough to see the results that you might be expecting. You might be able to see a difference, especially coming from using your breathing more mindfully but the meditation itself requires practicing at least a week to understand how can you improve it and make it work for you.
“I can’t stop my thoughts, I’m not perfect” — Nobody is, and you’ll notice that when you’re more stressed, it might be harder to focus, but that’s when meditation is the most necessary.
“I have too many distractions.” — You can put your phone in flight mode, close yourself in the bathroom and use headphones with relaxing sounds to limit the distractions you’re facing.
After some time you might notice the benefits of meditation like improved focus, increased creativity, reduced anxiety and stress. Studies showed improved memory and ability to make decisions, enhanced immune system and cardiovascular health, as well and reduced pain, both physical and emotional. If you would like to feel more connected, mindful and calm or energized meditation is a great practice to start.
The app that I recommend and use every day is Insight Timer. It’s available on AppStore and Google Play. You can find a guided meditation in a category of your interest with a set amount of possible time or use the timer for silent mindfulness.
You can start meditating with this app for ten days as a free trial. https://www.headspace.com/register/free-trial
YouTube is a very popular platform for meditations. I can highly recommend Jason Stephenson. With a variety of guided meditations, affirmations, sounds and lengths, I’m confident you will be able to find the best option for themselves. https://www.youtube.com/user/ILoveJuicyShow/videos
Take charge of your environment. Be in a place where no one will be able to interrupt you, where you will be safe during your practice. Decide how long you want to meditate. If you can, make the place and your clothing comfortable enough for the amount of time you choose to meditate. Stretch and then take your position. Choose guided meditation, background sounds or just close your eyes if you prefer silence. Focus on your breathing, scan your body for any sensations and begin your mantra, visualizations or follow directions in your guided meditation. When you finish your practice, make sure to take slow and mindful resurgence for your safety and well being, as it’s something different from your regular day.
Meditation is often a significant part of religious and spiritual practices. Used to connect with entities, divinity, source, and consciousness. Used as a part of mystical rituals, meditation is popular for manifestations, spells, and witchcraft by enhancing psychic abilities, especially if accompanied by things like candles, essential oils, herbs, and different sounds or singing.
Using available resources, you can decide what would be your perfect meditation practice and why the excuses are not working for you anymore when you have the knowledge of the benefits of meditation. Happier, healthier and more connected with each day of your practice, you can improve your life.