Meditation Tips ~ Part Four

Last week I mentioned the importance of letting go, and in her comment Janice said, “People also don't understand that they've probably already achieved a type of meditation when they read or watch TV.”

This is so true.  It is too easy to get hung up with the idea that meditation is something difficult, something that requires tortuous attention to the principles and practices of meditation.  And while, if you want to do something consider doing it well, applies, it is self-defeating if you allow that attention to detail to distract you from the fun and pleasure of meditation.

Most writers have experienced ‘writing in “The Zone”’.  That period when you can hardly keep up with the unfolding plot as you write.  Everything flows and you can’t do anything wrong.  That in itself is a form of meditation.  It is the same kind of ‘high’ you experience from a successful meditation, regardless of whether you meditate for five minutes or much longer.

But there are other ways of maximizing the benefits of simple meditation.

I have already shared what is called ‘the breath’ meditation which has highlighted how difficult it can be to ‘let go’ and focus your mind on the subject of your meditation. 

Now I’d like to share a tip that expands on the theme of The Breath meditation.  It can take thirty seconds or several minutes, depending upon the situation you find yourself in.

a)If, at any time, you find yourself in a stressful situation, such as waiting to enter an exam room or the start of a job interview, take time out to focus on your breathing. If you do this, and deliberately slow the rate of your breathing you will feel calmer.

How many times have you had to take a deep breath and counted to ten when someone has annoyed you?  In its most basic form this is the simplest meditation of all.  All you have to do is take it to another level as and when you need it.  You can do this at any time when you are striving for that elusive sense of calm.

b)I have already talked about the need to ensure you are not disturbed while meditating at home.  But how can you possibly manage that during busy working hours?  It truly is not difficult, because while at work you rarely aim for more than what I call a ‘one-minute-meditation’.

If there is no other opportunity, take a break and take one-minute out.  Just think of something that makes you smile and you will relax.  Focus on the feel-good memory and hold it when you return to your work place.  In time, you won’t need to take a break to focus you will automatically call up a pleasant memory and know it is helping you fight against the stress on daily life whatever your environment. 

c) When we meditate we connect with our inner consciousness/our inner self.  For many this is a new and totally alien concept.  Like most things once you become accustomed to the process, once you become familiar with it, the mystery disappears.  You will discover you become aware of small, formerly unnoticed adjustments within yourself, your attitude to everything and everyone around you will shift.  These adjustments may be undetected by others, but you will identify changes within yourself as you learn to accept the principle of letting go.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

When you start to meditate, changes will follow, don’t sweat about them.  Let them happen, be aware of them, accept the ones that fit, and discard the ones that don’t, or you are not ready for yet.

The secret to successful meditation is to enjoy them.