| ="body"> | | | | meditative state I write down exactly what my |
| There are many different styles of meditation, so | | | | question is, give it a timeline, and wait. Generally |
| which one is right for you? | | | | the answer is received during the session or |
| You can choose from: | | | | shortly afterwards, depending of course on the |
| 1. A writing meditation - using either the dominant | | | | timeline I gave. |
| or non-dominant hand | | | | I'll also meditate to access my creative self. After |
| 2. Focussing on an object such as a candle | | | | I've jotted down what my intention is I go into a |
| 3. Repeating Mantras | | | | meditative state with pen and paper handy. |
| 4. A visually guided meditation | | | | Generally what happens for me is that I start |
| 5. Through painting or sketching | | | | receiving ideas one after the after which I quickly |
| 6. Walking - anywhere | | | | jot down. I've written an entire workshop through |
| 7. Through breath work | | | | one of these meditation sessions. |
| 8. Body movement | | | | A great self healing tool, whenever I feel 'flat' I'll |
| 9. Swimming | | | | use colours, crystals, sound, and essential oils for |
| 10. Listening to soothing music | | | | my meditation sessions. After each session I am |
| To find one you're going to be happy with try and | | | | lighter, centred, balanced, and more focused. |
| road test a few first. | | | | So if you're now ready and keen to get started |
| Maybe you've already tried to meditate and found | | | | with some serious (or light hearted) meditation |
| yourself even more frustrated than before you | | | | simply follow the 10 basic points listed below to |
| started. | | | | help you on your way: |
| Two comments I've heard in the past regarding | | | | 1. Decide where and when you want to meditate. |
| meditation that really stand out for me are: | | | | 2. Get yourself ready by putting on soothing |
| 1. To meditate you must completely clear your | | | | music and have your aromatherapy oil burning |
| mind and think nothing. | | | | with your favourite oil blend. Activate the |
| Yeah right. Personally this has never worked for | | | | answering machine. Is there anything else you |
| me, nor have I observed this to work with | | | | need? |
| newcomers. How can anyone new to this practise | | | | 3. You might like to have a journal and pen ready |
| think nothing? Words as well as immediate issues | | | | for some note taking at the end of your |
| arise, and mind chatter just keeps on keeping on. | | | | meditation with inspirations and insights that come |
| The good news is that you can learn to | | | | to you. |
| overcome this; it just takes some practise | | | | 4. Spend a little while settling into your space until |
| coupled with patience. | | | | you're happy with your comfort level. Are you |
| 2. If you're stressed, meditate. | | | | too cold or hot or is the temperature just right? |
| Speaking from experience, if I am pretty | | | | 5. Slowly begin breathing in and out, using your |
| stressed out (which incidentally happens rarely) | | | | diaphragm muscles tuning into the rhythm of your |
| and I try to have a decent meditation session, it | | | | breathing and the rise and fall of your chest. |
| rarely works well for me. For a start I'm not | | | | 6. You may wish to close your eyes at this point |
| adequately prepared eg, not in the present | | | | and enjoy this peaceful, relaxing moment, closing |
| moment and still in problem solving mode. From | | | | the door to the outside world for now. |
| my observation of others when they're stressed | | | | 7. If closing your eyes is not for you, focus on an |
| and try to meditate they become further | | | | object such as a candle (take extra care with any |
| frustrated because they're unable to stay | | | | lit flame) or something similar. |
| focussed and get into the zone. The secret is to | | | | 8. If images or internal chatter starts to become |
| prepare yourself adequately first. | | | | frustrating, avoid suppressing them, instead name |
| Find yourself a technique you know you'll enjoy so | | | | them, release them, and move on. If this persists, |
| practising will be a positive experience. | | | | make a mental note that you will deal with it after |
| Alternatively find yourself a meditation group that | | | | your session. Refocus and continue. |
| has a good teacher. Not only will you learn to | | | | 9. When you're ready to come back, return wide |
| meditate, you might also form some great | | | | awake and alert, wriggling your toes and touching |
| friendships that will last a lifetime. | | | | your nose and have a really, really big stretch. |
| Meditation is a discipline that can be learned | | | | 10. Use your journal to write any insights or |
| through a step by step process, and once adept, | | | | inspirations you may have had during your |
| you can use it for any number of reasons. Decide | | | | journey, or simply enjoy the present moment |
| if your meditation is for relaxation; connection to | | | | with greater clarity and peace. |
| spirit or self; to achieve clarity of mind; or to | | | | Welcome back! If you haven't tried meditation |
| regain some inner strength. | | | | yet, why not give it a go? Add another 'life skill' to |
| My reasons for meditation are numerous. I | | | | your resource toolkit and enjoy greater health |
| meditate on purpose to receive answers to | | | | and wellbeing! |
| questions I might have. Before going into a | | | | |