| A daily meditation practice is one of the very | | | | effects.) |
| best habits you can establish for yourself. Studies | | | | 3. Relax your body by taking a few slow, deep |
| have shown that meditation reduces stress, | | | | breaths. (Make sure that your belly rises before |
| lowers blood pressure and boosts immunity. It can | | | | your chest as you breathe in. This is known as |
| also help you to let go of negative feelings and | | | | deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing or "belly" |
| give you a more positive outlook without the use | | | | breathing and helps the body to relax. Deep |
| of medication. Unfortunately, many people are | | | | breathing is a great relaxation technique on its |
| intimidated by the thought of meditation because | | | | own.) |
| they believe it is either difficult to do, overly time | | | | 4. Now, simply close your eyes and try to clear |
| consuming or attached to a specific religious belief; | | | | your mind of all thoughts while focusing on your |
| all of which are false. Meditation is actually a very | | | | breathing... as thoughts do come into your mind |
| healthy practice that will result in less stress, a | | | | (and they will), gently acknowledge them and then |
| healthier body and more mental clarity. To reap | | | | let them go, refocusing each time on your |
| the benefits to mind, body and spirit, you need | | | | breathing. Your goal is to stop thought as much |
| only to practice a very basic form of meditation. | | | | as possible and you will find that as you practice |
| Try these simple steps for just 10 minutes each | | | | meditation daily, it will become much easier and |
| morning: | | | | more beneficial. Some people find that listening to |
| 1. Dress comfortably and find a quiet location | | | | a constant sound such as the air conditioning or a |
| where you will not be interrupted. (This is | | | | hum will help them focus. In this type of basic |
| sometimes the most difficult part!) | | | | meditation, there is no need to use a mantra (a |
| 2. Sit or lie down (some people say that | | | | word or phrase used to focus the mind in some |
| meditation should never be practiced lying down, | | | | types of meditation). |
| but it can as long as you are not prone to falling | | | | Be sure to keep your practice simple and it will be |
| asleep... sleep and meditation are two very | | | | much easier to maintain. It's as easy as that! |
| different things and do not have the same | | | | |