Perhaps this new year you made an intention to start or restart a meditation practice. Kudos to you for taking a step toward less stress and more calm!
In this post, we’ll look at several factors in starting or restarting a meditation practice:
- Understand Your “Why”
- How to Start Small
- Scheduling Your Meditation
- Choosing a Method
- Accountability
You probably already know the benefits of meditation: helps with stress & anxiety, improved concentration, enhances mood, increases memory & energy, lowers blood pressure, feel more relaxed, calm & grounded, learn to chose your response rather than being reactive, and becoming present.
Perhaps meditation has been recommended to you by your physician, therapist or someone else you trust.
First, understand your “Why.”
- What is the real reason you want to establish a meditation practice?
- What benefits are you looking to receive?
- How will your life change?
By asking yourself these questions you can become more clear in your own mind.
Start Small
I always share with my meditation students the concept of small goals. Realistically, how much time can you spend for meditation? I always suggest by starting with five minutes a day as an achievable goal. You either wake up earlier or practice at any time of the day where it seems to fit in. That means, also looking at what time of day works for you, morning, noon, or before bed.
As you progress, you can expand upon this goal. You will know as you become more consistent in your practice. Then you can increase your meditation practice by a few minutes every week or whatever pace feels right to you.
Schedule Your Meditation
Just as you would schedule a doctor’s appointment, outing with friends or work tasks, pencil in your schedule your meditation time. That means, if you have to arise five minutes earlier every morning, then do so.
Write the meditation goal in your calendar.
Example:
- Five minutes every morning after I get my coffee or tea.
- Three 3-minute breathing exercises before eating daily meals.
- At bedtime, I will do a body scan meditation.
- I am going to attend one meditation class a week.
- I will set up an appointment to meet with Deb at Peaceful Wellness for meditation coaching sessions so I have accountability in my practice.
The key is always making it doable and attainable.
Try my 21 Day Meditation Challenge for free.
Create the Environment
Look at where you will practice. You can easily create a corner in your home or use a separate room. As you sit in your favorite room and chair, you will begin to become accustomed to this is your meditation time. Make it comfortable, perhaps add a candle, flowers, or anything that would inspire you.
I would also suggest setting a timer, like the app, Insight Timer, so you are not constantly watching the clock. It has chimes you can choose from that are pleasant to the ear vs. an alarm that could be jarring.
Choose a Method
There are various techniques of meditation to choose from :
- Concentration which is a focus on the breath, word, phrase, mantra, candle flame or mindfulness.
- Guided meditation which lets the conscious mind to be absorbed into the meditation. See my On-Demand Library
- Guided visualization which takes you on a journey to a forest or beach, to deep relaxation, or to receive a message from an Angel or other Spiritual Guide.
- Singing bowls and instruments for a meditation of sound. See Deb’s classes and recorded sound baths. (Sound and vibration from a bowl will teach the mind to focus and remind the body to relax so you can quickly and easily reap all the benefits of meditation time.)
- Contemplation on a spiritual idea or philosophy.
- Mindful movement such as yoga, tai chi or mindfulness of walking.
- Some people do use recorded meditations or attend a meditation session where a meditation is led. These help you as well to get you used to the idea of meditation.
Create Accountability
You can create accountability by registering for a class or working one-on-one with an instructor or coach, like Deb at Peaceful Wellness. Meeting regularly with a group or an instructor/coach can help to facilitate your daily practice, you can ask questions, learn new techniques, and continue to improve your dedication to your practice. You already know the benefits, now it’s time to put it into action.
In Closing
In all, be gentle with yourself in your practice, especially if it is brand new to you.
I am here to assist you both in group and private sessions. Meditation has been an integral part of most of my life since 1980. It has assisted me with stress, life traumas, depression, health issues, and more. Sharing meditation with others is my passion.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, I am here to cheerfully help you!
Be sure to visit this website for all the meditation sessions and classes we offer here at Peaceful Wellness including one-on-one private sessions.
Originally Posted 1/12/22
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