Reader’s Request: Meditation 101

Thanks to those of you who are reading and enjoying my blog! I appreciate your participation, and I am excited to address some requests as they come in through the blog.  One reader was interested in learning more about meditation.  I am no expert, but I can share my personal experience as I was beginning to try it out for myself.  The best take away is that you should start out by keeping it simple, short, and sweet.  That way, you are open to allotting 5 minutes a day – that’s all it takes!   If you are short on time, just take 3 deep breaths – it can do wonders for you.

The quick and easy answer is that meditation is as easy as stopping all thought and quieting the mind. Well, I guess it's not THAT easy is it? But each person can develop his or her own technique. Some people like to visualize a quiet little sanctuary where they imagine themselves surrounded by tranquility (I like this approach and use it often – especially if I am stressed.) Other times, I just close my eyes and take several deep breaths and quiet my mind. If I am seeking answers or guidance, I'll ask. Otherwise, I am just open to whatever comes - if anything.  Some people have great visions, receive information, and many other cool things when they meditate, but not me.  I only use it as a tool to center and focus my mind.  I honestly end up falling asleep if I try to do it for too long…..zzzzzz.  I suppose that’s not a bad thing.

I would like to share a tool that I used when I started trying different methods in the beginning.  I found this CD to be quite interesting.  It leads you through various meditations and creative visualizations. I am going to talk about some of this in my next post, as well.  I found out about it because it was recommended by Oprah Winfrey:  Creative Visualization Meditations (Gawain, Shakti) [Audiobook, CD] [Audio CD]

There are also lots of great resources online that provide additional insight into the process.  Here are a few I quickly found:

Meditation 101: How to Start

http://thinksimplenow.com/calmness/meditation-101-how-to-start/

Finding Clarity and Inner Stillness through Meditation

http://thinksimplenow.com/calmness/finding-clarity-and-inner-stillness-through-meditation/

3 Tips to Calm Anxiety

http://thinksimplenow.com/calmness/how-to-relax-in-this-moment/

I hope this helps!  I wish you the best on your quest to find that inner calm!