How To Meditate: 10 Simple Steps!

Lately, I have been VERY curious when it comes to meditation. But honestly, I just didn't even know how to start. So, here are a few simple steps - start this adventure with me!

1. Posture: Whether you sit on a chair or cross-legged on the floor, make sure that your spine is upright with head up.

2. Eyes: Try and keep you eyes open. Open eyes allow you to be more present. Just lower your eyes and let your gaze be soft.

3. Focus: To focus in meditation means to pay soft attention to whatever you place in the center of awareness. They suggest using the breath as a focus.

4. The Breath: Paying attention to the breath is a great way to anchor yourself in the present moment. Notice your breath streaming in and out. There’s no need to regulate the breath – just let it be natural.

5. Thoughts: When you notice thoughts, gently let them go by returning yous focus to the breath. Don’t try to stop thoughts; this will just make you feel agitated.

6. Emotions: Let go of the stories and refocus on your body. In this way you are honoring your emotions but not becoming entangled in stories.

7. Silence: Silence is healing.

8. Length: Start with 10 minutes and only sit longer if you feel the length is too short. Don’t force yourself to meditate longer if you are not ready to do that. In time you might like to extend your meditation to 25 minutes.

9. Place: It’s lovely to create a special place to sit. You can even make a shrine or an altar that you can face when you sit in meditation. You might like to place a candle on your altar and objects that have meaning to you.

10. Enjoyment: Most of all, it’s important to enjoy meditation. You might like to try sitting with a hint of a smile. Be kind to yourself. Start sitting just a little each day.

These are really easy steps to take when you are first starting out! Trust me, I am a newbie too! Let's figure out meditation together!

Source: Goodlife Zen