Mastering to Meditate is Much easier Than You Think
Learning to meditate may seem like a daunting task, particularly in the face of so many preconceived ideas about this ancient form of relaxation. To many the idea of meditation is associated with sage-like wisdom and the ability to sit immobile in uncomfortable positions for endless hours. To many this goes hand in hand with fasting and other forms of self-denial.Your first steps upon the path to learning meditation do not require any such action. To begin, you simply need to allocate yourself a period of time when you can be alone and undisturbed. This means actually switching off your cell phone, unplugging your laptop, switching off the radio or television and being committed to spending some quality time with yourself.Make sure to dress in comfortable clothing, ensure that the room you anxiety and depression in is neither too hot nor too cold. If you like, light some scented candles or some pleasantly fragranced incense. Be sure that you are neither hungry nor thirsty when you begin. This may seem like a silly consideration, but once you have settled down to meditate, being interrupted by a rumbling stomach is the last thing you need.Your next step is to get comfortable. Do not worry about trying to pretzel yourself into the lotus position at this stage. Simply position yourself comfortably. If that, to you, means relaxing on the couch or laying down on the bed, then begin where your body will feel most comfortable.The idea is to be able to turn your focus elsewhere and you cannot do that if your are physically uncomfortable. Once you are comfortable, close your eyes and simply relax and focus on your breathing. Begin by taking slow, deep measured breaths and trying to make your breathing circular.Keep a constant motion going and try to empty your mind of all the days worries and lists of things that still need to be done. Simply focus on your breathing and become aware of your actual physical being. Are there tense spots in your body or aches and pains that require soothing? Simply breathe, visualizing your breath releasing any tension as you exhale.The goal here is to simply quiet your mind, which can be a difficult task at first. If thoughts pop into your head, simply focus on clearing them away and focus again on your breathing. At first you may only be able to do this for a few seconds, or a minute or so, but persevere. The mind is like a wayward child and will rebel against being disciplined, but look, you are meditating already!
