Breathe, Breathe, Meditate

So here we go.  We have officially started our 12 days to try 12 new things.  And the first one to try is to learn to meditate.  Now before you don't finish this post because you think that meditating is too hard or you don't want to sit cross-legged on the floor and hum, don't leave yet.  I promise you, learning to meditate is very easy and does not take very long at all but the benefits are enormous.  And if you don't believe me. . . well, you'll just have to try it.

All it takes is just five to ten minutes a day. . .

And it's easy. . .

Need I go on?

Well I will anyway because this is stuff you have to know!  Meditation is the art of silencing your mind. And, if that can work for me, it can work for you.  :)  When your mind is silent, concentration is increased and you are able to feel a sense of peace.  And especially in this day when the world is in a complete turmoil and we have to constantly surround ourselves with that crazziness it rubs off on us.  There is no way we cannot be apart of that world of beating the clock, running errands, and just about everything else we try to accomplish in the space of 24 hours.  So, we need to try to balance our lives by adding a little peace. 

Here are some of the benefits of meditation.  Just in case you didn't know.  Or did know and have forgotten the art of meditating.

*  Improve concentration - when your mind is clear you are more productive, especially in creative way likes painting, drawing, writing, or putting together a schedule for the day. 

* You'll feel less bothered by little things - Our minds have a way of magnifying the small things into serious problems.  Meditation helps us detach, so we can see the 'bigger picture'. 

*  Better health -  There have been numerous studies pointing to the health benefits of meditation.  The reason is: meditation reduces stress levels and alleviates anxiety.  Stress causes loss of sleep, sickness, etc. 

And those are to just to name a few.  So, here is an easy way to learn how to meditate. 


INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Choose a quiet place.  Somewhere where you won't be disturbed for at least five minutes.  Sit down, preferably in a chair because it would be best not to have your legs crossed so as not to impede blood flow.  Regardless of how you sit make sure you are sitting up straight.  That means no slouching or leaning back.  Yes I mean you! 

2.  Breathe slowly and deeply.  Close your eyes softly.  You want to inhale through your nose and exhale from your mouth.  Aim to make your exhaling longer than inhaling. But, don't force your breathing.  Let it come naturally.  You want to be able to gradually breathe more slowly and more deeply as you focus.

3.  Be aware.  When you are breathing deeply, you will begin to feel calmer and more relaxed.  That's a good sign!  :)  You want to be able to keep your attention on your breathing.  Listen to the rhythm.  Feel the rhythm.  Now, if you find your mind wandering that is ok.  This may be your first time trying this.  Just focus back on your breathing.  As you try this more, you'll find it easier to concentrate.

4.  End the session.  When you are ready to end the session, open your eyes and stand up slowly.  I set a five minute timer for myself the first time I did it and it felt like it was over in a second.  When you really start to feel connected to your body all the stress just seems to melt away from you.

So . . . your goal for the next twelve days is to try this once a day.  You can decide the time you do it, whether it be in the morning or before you go to bed.  For how long, whether it be five minutes or twenty.  And how often you do it.  But, for twelve days meditate at least once and see how much stress you can take off yourself.

Tips:  I like to light a candle and turn off the lights in the room that I'm using.  I find it easier on the eyes to relax without any bright lights but it's not dark enough that I'd trip and stub my toe on the furniture. 

Stay Tuned for Tomorrow's #2 of Twelve Days to try Twelve New Things.