Meditation...an opportunity for stillness. There are several types of meditation but they all have one purpose. They allow a timeout in life for you to connect with yourself and regroup your thoughts. A judge-free zone that allows a moment in time to cater to the most important thing in your life, YOU.
Many people struggle with meditation. The minute you close your eyes the thoughts pop in your head. That's ok. Acknowledge them and let it go. You "feel" your eyes dart around behind your eyelids. That's ok. Tell them it's time to stop. Many wonder about how to do it, where to do, when to do and why. There really are no right or wrong ways, correct or incorrect answers. Everyone's purpose for meditation is different. The end results tend to be the same.
Is it easy?
Eventually.
Will it benefit me?
Definitely.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely!!!!!
There are alot of benefits to meditation but some of the most important ones worth mentioning are improving one's ability to manage stress effectively, lower blood pressure, improve air circulation within the respiratory system (all of that deep breathing) and improved lymphatic flow.
There are many techniques to meditate but it really begins and continues with one key step...breathing, deep breathing.
Deep breathing is best described by using a 5 second count. You'll understand better with the method below.
Let's get started!
Find a quiet location, if possible
Sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
Breathe in through your nose to a silent count of 5. The hand on your stomach should rise. The hand on your chest should move very little. Focus on your breath. Feel the air come in.
Exhale through your mouth to a silent count of 5, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little. Focus on your breath. Feel the air leave out.
Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Remember to count. Try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls. Continue this pattern for at least two minutes and increase your time gradually when the time feels necessary.
Ok, now that you've slowed down your mental state take time to get things back to life. Don't race back to your phone. The messages can wait. Don't rush to finish those reports. Creativity is now on your side.
Breathe and be thankful for the ability to dedicate the last few minutes of time to you.
Practice makes for an easier session so keep up the good work on your path to living well!