| Meditation is like a vast unexplored continent, the | | | | selfish in maintaining your inner peace and don't let |
| further you travel the more splendor and beauty | | | | anyone disturb you. |
| you will see. To begin the great adventure, one | | | | 4. Unplug: Turn off your phone, the computer, and |
| must prepare for the journey and bring | | | | the T.V. Without these distractions, you know |
| appropriate equipment, clothing and fuel. A well | | | | you can have some peace and quiet to dedicate |
| equipped expedition will ensure minimal setbacks | | | | to your meditation. |
| and determine the success of the journey. Here is | | | | 5. Stay Consistent: Consistency is the major |
| an inventory list of some "equipment" you will | | | | stumbling block for any practice and developing a |
| need on your meditation journey in order to | | | | good habit is crucial. How do you develop a habit? |
| establishing and maintaining a successful meditation | | | | It takes three weeks of doing the same thing |
| practice. | | | | over and over again for your body and mind to |
| 1. Set the intention: Be clear and realistic with your | | | | adjust and then it becomes easy and natural. |
| expectations. Ask yourself, what are you willing to | | | | 6. Keep a journal: After every meditation session, |
| sacrifice in order to set aside the time necessary | | | | take a few minutes to write down your |
| to meditate? | | | | experiences, thoughts, mental imagery, or bodily |
| 2. Creating the atmosphere: Dedicate a little | | | | sensations. You can look back and check on your |
| corner, mat, or chair for meditation, use it only | | | | progress and its a great way to share your |
| for this purpose. Put on some music, make some | | | | experiences with friends. Keep a record of the |
| tea, develop a meditation ritual. This does not | | | | date, time of day, and duration of the meditation. |
| mean you must be sitting there on a cushion, with | | | | 7. Experiment: There are many different types of |
| lit candles and an incense stick, but it does mean | | | | meditations and you never know which one will |
| that there should be a special place where you go | | | | work best for until you try them. Amongst the |
| only for meditation. | | | | many types, the most common are: guided |
| 3. Set aside a time: This may be obvious to | | | | visualizations, music, no music, sitting, walking, slow |
| some, but have a specific time of day when you | | | | repetitive movements, mantras, and watching the |
| know you will be alone and in relative quiet. Be | | | | breath. |