Meditation offers many physical benefits like reduces stress, improves immunity, decreases anxiety, insomnia, depression to just mention a few. Meditation also connects us to multidimensional realities, and only by embracing all aspects of ourselves are we capable of becoming a light for this world. In order to be able to face the dark shadows within ourselves, we need to call forth our wisdom, courage, nobility, honor, integrity, and humility. Integrating the powerful qualities of these archetypes into our meditation enhances the presence of peace, happiness, compassion, love, understanding, and joy within us. These beautiful qualities will inevitably guide us to wellness and a purposeful quality of life.
There are several key things you can do that will significantly enhance your meditation. They may seem subtle at first but remember that meditation itself is about cultivating the higher, subtle parts of your being. Take it from experience, these six keys together will make a big difference as you develop your meditation practice. Please give them a try!
Key #1: Find a Special Place
Set aside a special place that is used only for meditation. If you have a spare room, great, but it’s fine to set aside a corner of your bedroom or another place that is quiet and where you will not be interrupted. This will be your sacred space for self-discovery, so you’ll want to make it as inspiring as possible.
Place a candle and a vase with fresh flowers, if possible, on a nearby table. You may also want to light some incense. Together, these items will open up the senses and help create a meditative atmosphere.
Key #2: Be relaxed
There’s no need to sit in a special yogic posture to meditate. If you can sit comfortably on a cushion on the floor, this is best. Otherwise, a meditation stool or chair is fine. The important thing is to be still and relaxed, to have your back erect, and to have the flower and candle close to eye level. People often ask if it’s okay to meditate while lying down. If you feel more relaxed by laying down ,that is a good way to start your meditation practice, just try not to fall asleep. Always remember to begin your meditation with six or seven “power breaths” – long, slow deep breaths that release the random thoughts in your head and help to focus your attention within.
Key #3: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
In the beginning, five minutes of meditation a day is enough. Meditation is like an inner muscle that you are slowly but surely making stronger. If you overwork a muscle, it becomes sore; if you meditate for more than five minutes and feel tension in your head or get a headache, you know you’ve gone beyond your capacity. Try not to be concerned with expectations of what your meditation experience ‘should’ be. Just practice - steadily, soulfully, and sincerely – and make yourself alert to the messages that will begin to arise from within.
If by giving up small pleasures, great happiness is to be found, the wise should
give up small pleasures, seeing the prospect of great happiness – The Buddha.
Key #4: Choose the right time
Make yourself a priority and make an appointment with yourself. Create meditation practice at the same time each day. Just as you feed your physical body several times a day at certain times, meditation nourishes your inner life so set at least one special time each day for your meditation exercises.
The best time to meditate is early in the morning before you begin your daily activities. This way, the peace you get from your meditation will permeate the rest of your day.
Many people also like to meditate after work to help wash away the stress of the day. You might also want to meditate just before going to bed. This will help you to sleep more soundly.
We don’t suggest meditating right after a big meal. Like a bird, your inner being will be trying to fly higher, but your body will be weighing it down. So wait an hour or two before meditating.
Key #5: The Power of Music
Music serves as an elevator. It has the ability to lift you up to high places. Playing soft, peaceful music of the heart during your exercises creates a meditative atmosphere and vastly enhances the quality of your meditation. Merely listening to and absorbing the music will help you to feel the deep inner stillness of meditation
Key #6: You
In the end, the most important ingredient in this whole process is you. It is you who experiences, you who is discovered, you who is the student and the real teacher, and you who is finally revealed.
Make meditation part of your daily routine, your life will change.
Source: Journey Of You by Lenka Schulze
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