Meditation calms your mind, balances your spirit, fills your soul with good energy and rests and rejuvenates your body. You have probably heard great things and may be ready to give mediation a try. But getting into doing something new can be daunting, and difficult. Here are a few tips to help you take your first steps on the path to enlightenment.
MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #1: Meditation is a journey, and a lifelong pursuit. You will never finish on the path, win the game or conquer the goal. It is an ongoing quest. Be patient with yourself.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #2: Give yourself time to meditate. Plan it into your schedule, and follow through. Many people like to meditate in the morning, but do what works for you. Turn off your phone and make sure any possible distractions (like a drooling dog) are taken care of. This is your time.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #3: Find a place to be. Even if it is just the corner of a room, set aside in your mind and your life a special meditation spot, and return there every day to help shift your brain into meditation mode.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #4: Breathe. This is the essence of meditation, and many beginners find it helpful at first to count their breaths…ten counts in, ten counts out, ten counts in, ten counts out.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #5: Start small. Meditating for five minutes is an accomplishment; don’t expect to sit down in mindless bliss for an hour your first day, or week, or even year.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #6: Stretch before you meditate. This helps to clue your body into what is about to happen, and makes you more mindful of all your parts as well. Go slow.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #7: Think of a branch in a stream. If thoughts persistently pop into your head (and they will), imagine them as a branch floating by in a stream. Acknowledge the thought, and then let it drift past. This is a popular visualization technique recommended by many yogi masters.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #8: Go into nature. If possible, meditate in a natural setting: on the beach, in a forest, your backyard, or even next to a houseplant. Share your breath with the living things that make up your environment.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #9: Weave meditation into your life. Even when you are not in lotus position, try to maintain a clutter-free mind. Washing dishes, waiting in line, stopped in traffic or walking in the park are all excellent opportunities to breathe and center your thoughts.
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MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS TIP #10: Meditation is a solitary experience, but you might just need some help, and that's okay. Books, CDs, DVDs, classes, and mentors are all available to help you on your journey of meditation.
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Go with the method that best suits your learning style, and be patient with yourself. Remember, you have your whole life to learn how to meditate.
