I know, you are already thinking that this is weird, that I am going to tell you to burn incense and sit on the floor in a pretzel position and chant Om. While you can if you want, you don’t need to do any of that to realize the many benefits of meditation.
There are so many reasons to meditate, and no reasons not to do it, except that you think you don’t like it. But listen to these scientifically-proven benefits – meditation reduces stress, relieves anxiety, can prevent brain aging and memory loss, can help ease addictions, lengthens attention span, improves emotional health, can decrease blood pressure, improve sleep, and help control pain. Yes, research has shown that the simple act of tuning in and turning off your thoughts can pretty much change your whole life for the better.
Action – The purpose of meditation is to slow the flow of thoughts. The mind is like a runaway freight train sometimes, and we get carried along mindlessly for the ride. The purpose of meditation is to free yourself from the bondage of thoughts and to learn to control the mind so it becomes a useful tool and not an instrument of torture.
The most benefits are realized with a single 15-minute meditation every day.
Steps – You can start with one-minute meditations. Honestly – it can be that easy! The only thing you need is a quiet space. If you don’t like to sit and find yourself fidgeting, then make it a walking meditation. The point of all of this is to learn to focus your attention on one thing, or on nothing.
By focusing only on the breath, or a mantra, or on putting one foot in front of the other if you are walking, you can enter the state of meditativeness that is so beneficial. Even doing tasks like washing the dishes or sweeping the floor are opportunities to quiet the mind and get out of the endless flow of thoughts. It is actually very easy to fit meditation into your daily life, and once you begin to feel the benefits you will want to expand your practice further.
Work up to a goal of 15-20 minutes of meditation every day to maximize the benefits that research has proven are real.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – The mind is a powerful tool, but when it isn’t under control it can become a weapon against you and those around you. Depression, anxiety, lethargy, self-pity, and many other mental issues can be controlled by learning how to think in a different way. If you can lower your levels of stress, everything in your life will improve. The effects on the body alone should be enough reason to want to include meditation in your life.
Example – I have tried many different kinds of meditation, from guided ones to yoga to focused breathing. There are certain tasks that automatically put me into a meditative state without me needing to make a big deal about it.
When I run, I am meditating. I feel the breath coming in and out as my feet hit the ground. It is rhythmic and soothing and probably the one reason that I enjoy running. Walking works for me too, but I need to remember to focus more than when I am running.
I meditate when cleaning the house or doing dishes, and every night before bed I turn off all things electronic and sit with my eyes closed for 15 minutes. It’s a great way to wind down and I always sleep much better when I do it.
Start right now. Close your eyes and count your breath as it flows in and out, up to ten. Just focus on the breath, knowing that nothing else matters right now. Then go about your day.
Enjoy the beautiful gift of meditation that you have just given to your body, your mind, and yourself.