14 May 2024

Meditation is a powerful way of dealing with the stress of twenty-first-century living and builds your self-dignity. It’s one of the best ways to gain self-knowledge and to reflect on your true self. It gives you the chance to unplug from daily life for a while and deeply tune into your inner wisdom. Within your inner wisdom is where you will find and become acquainted with the real you who is powerful and awesome.

A meditation practice will positively impact your self-worth because it gives you the space to find it within, and to love yourself just the way you are. It keeps your focus in the present, undistracted by thoughts of the past or anxieties about the future. As a bonus, meditation is also good for your physical health. Your stress levels and your blood pressure will go down, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll think more clearly.

How to Start Meditating

Getting started with meditation is a lot easier than you may think. There isn’t any special equipment you need to buy or classes you should be taking. While buying a book, a guided meditation audio recording or an app for your smartphone are certainly options, you don’t even have to do that to get started. I’ll share everything you need to know to get started meditating right here in this post.

Start by getting comfortable in a spot that’s as free of distractions as possible. You want to sit down either on a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground or sitting cross-legged on the floor. If you sit on the floor, you’ll be more comfortable if you sit on a cushion. It’s important that you can sit in whatever position you choose comfortably and that you’re keeping your back straight. Slumping may make you sleepy while you meditate, and bad posture may cause you discomfort after a while.

Before we start with the actual meditation, let’s get back to distractions. In the beginning, you want to cut as many of them out as possible. Choose a quiet spot where no one will interrupt you. Turn off the ringer on your phone, close the blinds if you think it will help to create a calm and soothing space. You won’t always have to go through all this trouble to meditate because, after a little practice, you’ll be able to do the little meditation exercise I’m about to share with you anytime, anywhere. But like any new skill, meditating can be a little hard in the beginning. It sounds simple enough, but it’s easy to get distracted. That’s why it’s important to set yourself up for success by cutting out any distractions you can.

Here’s how to meditate. Sit down, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice how the air flows in and out of your nose and mouth. Try to think of nothing else. This is the hard part and something that takes practice. Start meditating for a few minutes here and there and increase the time as you move along. Don’t judge yourself when your thoughts stray. Keep bringing yourself back to the sensation of the breath anytime you notice that you’re thinking of something else.

That’s all there’s to it. Getting started with meditation is simple, but like any new skill, it takes practice. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Stick with it and keep practicing these new meditation skills. You’ll be glad you did.

Bonus Meditation Affirmation Reflection

As a bonus for your efforts in learning about the basics of meditation I would like to give to you a copy of a meditation affirmation that you can use and recite in your own time. This meditation affirmation can be used to help quieten your mind and allow you to center yourself when necessary. The meditation affirmation is as follows:

Meditation Affirmation:

Meditation quiets my mind when I am stressed.

I am able to counteract the stresses of life by relying on meditation. When I take the time to refocus my mind, I am better able to deal with situations.

At sunrise, I take a few moments to center my thoughts. Clearing my mind in the morning helps me to approach the day with a peaceful outlook. It is easier to stay calm at work when I start the day with a tranquil mindset.

When projects at work start to get overwhelming, I take some time to walk. Walking quietly outdoors gives me a chance to relax and regroup.

I concentrate on my breathing when walking. It takes my mind and spirit back to a neutral place. Doing that allows me to let go of the feelings that threaten to upset my state of contentment.

Before bed each night, I spend several moments lifting the day's burdens. It is easier to sleep restfully when my mind is clear of the day's activities.

Scented candles and serene sounds help me to unwind. I meditate in a setting that gives me a sense of freedom and peace.

Today, I make time to re-center my soul and mind. My days are spent more effectively when I am free of mental burdens. I achieve quietness when I take the time to meditate my stress away.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.     What creative techniques can I employ to squeeze in some quiet time each day?

2.     Which other practices can help me release stress?

3.     How can I achieve more positive results from meditation?