And breathe…

By November 30, 2017July 11th, 2023Mindfulness

As we head towards the end of the year, and nature is showing signs of slowing down. I am beginning to realise that is not the case for many of us. With Christmas quickly approaching we will be busier than ever. That is why we all need to remember to take a little time each day to focus on ourselves. For me this will be continuing to meditate, if this is something you have not tried before I would strongly recommend you have a go….

Meditation is a way of encouraging us to concentrate our focus on the present. This can help reduce the incessant activity of our minds. Being in the present moment can reduce how much we worry about the unchangeable past and the undetermined future. By meditating we can gain clarity on worries we may have. This in turn can promote positive emotions and reduce the stress we may be feeling.

Meditation is a skill that needs time and patience to develop and should be done on a daily basis. As with any activity, practice will improve your ability and confidence.

People choose to meditate for various reasons spiritual development, relaxation, stress reduction, personal growth etc. You may even find over time your reason for meditating may change. There are many different types of meditation practices, all with various benefits. By trying different types you will be able to establish which type suits you and motivates you the best.

Where, When and How to begin?

Now! Meditation should be incorporated into your everyday life, something that just becomes part of your routine, like getting dressed and eating. It is important that you schedule time every day to practice meditation, so that you begin to feel its benefits. Even if you can only initially spare 5 minutes each day to meditate, you will slowly start to automatically build time into your daily routine and begin to feel the benefits – If practiced consistently. Initially you may find it difficult to fully submerse yourself in the moment during meditation – this will come with time and practice. Don’t expect too much in your first week, the real aim initially is to build up the routine of making time and opening up to the idea of meditation. After the first week of meditating daily, begin to evaluate if the time of day is suiting you. Are you missing days? If so would changing the time of day or night ensure that you stay focused and on track. Also begin to build up on the length of time you meditate 15 to 20 minutes each day over the first few weeks.

To begin mediating initial start with a breathing exercise….see my article a moment to focus.