Summer can usher in a lot of commitments and meditation is a helpful way to set the tone for the coming months so we enjoy life rather than deal with stress. For the past four decades, I have been helping people to live better lives by teaching them techniques to help them handle stress through correct breathing. Many view meditation as a structured Eastern practice with rules for how it is done. This is true for people who practice within that belief system.
But what about the rest of us: the businessperson, parent, mate, friend, family member, who doesn't follow that philosophy but still wishes to create the awareness that meditation offers and reduce stress in their lives? How can they sizzle away stress as the seasons change?
Meditation is about being mindful of your spirit enough to focus inward for the serenity and guidance you need. It's having a moment to hear yourself think. We have the answers within us, and with a steady routine, we can harness a personal power that will remove much of the emotion that stress can cause. The only steadfast rule is slow breathing. Proper breathing is an advantage to handling life and health matters, and is especially helpful for dealing with overall stress. I have outlined a simple method of breathing to get you started so that anyone, at any age, can enjoy meditating.
- Make an appointment with yourself to go to a space you have designated where you will not be disturbed. Make those you live with aware that you are meditating.
- Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable, and choose a time of day/night that is conducive to you being able to observe the silence within. Play some soft instrumental music to help set the mood.
- Start by taking some slow, deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth, just as slowly.
- Sit quietly and allow yourself to sense your surroundings. Don't worry about noise or distraction; that will change when you begin a regular routine.
- Follow the inhalation and exhalation of your breathing, using the timing of your breathing or your heartbeat as a marker to mindfulness.
Meditation time can range from 10 minutes to hours. Choose what you feel comfortable with. Once you adopt this practice in your life, you will be embracing a more peaceful existence. More things go right when we meditate than wrong!
