The Practice of Meditation

Meditation. What does it mean to you? Quiet reflection, time alone, relaxing or a bit of an oddity?

Meditation is a wonderful practice, which can be as individual as you are. There are a number of centres where you and learn and meditate with a group, but many people are just as happy to have their own routine at home.

Why Meditate?

The idea of meditation is to create a sense of quiet and peace within. It is very easy to always have your mind full of ideas, plans, worries or just extraneous stuff. Think of your mind as a motor, it needs to idle occasionally, running at top speed will wear it out!

Finding a way to quieten your thoughts can improve sleep, reduce stress, improve your immune system and allow you the space to find solutions for those niggling worries.

Where to Start

Many people believe to meditate that you must clear your mind completely and be blank and are daunted by the prospect. The first few times you try, it may be hard to just be still. That's is absolutely fine. Accept that you are learning a new skill and it may take time.

To begin, find yourself a comfortable spot and just get settled. Breathe calmly and fully (only breathing in the top of your lungs is a sure sign of stress, take full breaths, all the way to your belly). Just relax. When thought come in to your mind, let them be there, then file them. Let them go. Repeat as many times as necessary. You do not need to have a goal or a result, just allow yourself to be still for as long as feels comfortable.

Afterwards, note down any thoughts that you found hard to clear, or any bright ideas that occurred to you. Over time, you may see a pattern develop.

Pre-Sleep Ritual

Another way to meditate can be used as a go-to-sleep routine for those who find it hard to fall asleep (or stay asleep). Lie comfortably and breathe fully. Concentrate on your feet and take several breaths observing your feet, how they feel, any aches or pains and then consciously try to relax them. Repeat all the way up your body, finishing with your face. This is a wonderful way to prepare for sleep, or return to sleep.

There is information on meditation centres online, or you can always start a group yourself. Ask like-minded friends to give it a try and seek out a more peaceful mindset!