Many people believe that Mediation is "difficult" and have preconceived ideas about what you have to do in order to meditate.
Allow me to clear your mind and to dispel some of these myths and in doing so encourage you to meditate.
The myths are as follows:
1) Meditation is religious - This is simply not correct. Meditation predates religions and is simply a practice that brings stillness and peace to the mind. Hence all religions use it in their teachings.
2) You have to sit cross-legged to meditate - Again this is not correct. As meditation is ancient, often there were no chairs around in the good old days and so people sat on the ground and “naturally” sat cross-legged. In today’s modern world you can meditate sitting down, lying down, on a plane, walking, at your desk …you name it – you can meditate doing it.
3) It’s so hard to meditate - Again this is not correct. We learnt to walk, talk, eat, dress ourselves, drive a car…so why so we think its hard to meditate? What if I told you it was easy peasy?
4) I do not have time to meditate - If you cannot find 5 minutes in your day to meditate - then you REALLY do need to meditate! Make it a routine like brushing your teeth, putting on your clothes, reading the paper. Spend less time checking Facebook and more time meditating – your life will thank-you big time.
Now for a simple technique that everyone can do – especially beginners; it's called "Anapana Sati" or meditation on the breath.
It's best to do it alone and in a space that is less chaotic than a busy office/home environment to start with. So plan 10 minutes when you can be alone and have some
"me" time.
The technique is easy, try it and feel the difference:
• Sit comfortably / lie down (but do not fall asleep).
• Close your eyes.
• Fix your attention at the tip of your nose.
• Now simply feel your body as you breathe in and breathe out.
• Do a few breaths with awareness and see how you feel.
• Once you master this and you want to advance, you can introduce a count of 4-2-6.
• Count 4 as you breathe in – then hold for 2 – and breathe out for 6.
• Repeat this for at least 5-10 minutes and your whole energy will be calmer.
Your mind and body will benefit as a result and suddenly the world will become a calmer and happier place.
Join SoulCentre and it's team of expert meditators to take your practice to deeper levels. You will love the new you!
