The usual feelings of intolerance, distress, frustration and annoyance are endowed upon us by the hectic pace with which we are living our ‘modern life.’ It just doesn’t leave us with enough time to get everything done. We are often so busy in our lives that there is no time to even stop and breathe, forget meditation- which requires us to focus the 100% of our attention in one area.
With life getting crazier and challenging with every passing day, it is important to calm our busy mind, relax our body, become grounded, and find inner peace; isn’t that what we want in the future and are slogging for in the present? But think of it, if we continue to be stressed, tired and unhappy this way, will we live to see that joyful and calm future? Probably not. So, to be healthy and happy, know how to meditate properly and do what life is meant for- living!
Many beginners do not begin with a mindset needed to make the practice of meditation sustainable and often can’t stick to it for the long-term. Here we have gathered some great tips on how to meditate properly for beginners that you may find very useful for meditating properly and regularly at home.
Set a Time
While we are telling you how to meditate properly for beginners, we must also add that you will only get to the next level in meditation by setting aside a specific time (preferably two times a day) to be still.
Breathe
When learning how to meditate properly, you will realise that breathing deep slows the heart rate, relaxes the muscles and focuses the mind.
Stretch
Stretching loosens the muscles and tendons allowing you to sit (or lie) more comfortably. Additionally, stretching starts the process of “going inward” and brings added attention to the body.
Sit Tall
Sitting is the most common and accessible position for meditating. You could sit anywhere- on the floor, in a chair, or on a stool. Sit straight and cross –legged. If you are sitting on the floor, you could sit on a cushion for comfort. Sit tall; if this is difficult, imagine a string pulling your head, neck, and back towards the ceiling.
Relax
Close your eyes and feel your body parts- begin with your toes, feet, ankles, shins and continue to move up your entire body. Don’t forget to relax the tension-holding areas- your shoulders, neck, eyes, face, jaw and tongue.
Find a Mantra
When you are wondering how to meditate properly at home, a mantra will come in handy. It is a sound, word or phrase that can be repeated throughout your meditation. A simple and easy mantra for beginners is to silently say with each breath, “I am breathing in, I am breathing out.”
Stay Calm
You will notice that your mind becomes calms when you focus on your breath and the chant the mantra. If you get any thoughts, just acknowledge them, keep them aside and refocus on your breath. Don’t brood over those thoughts.
Let Go
To properly meditate, it is not just important to concentrate, focus, visualise or stop thoughts from reaching you, but also to let go and surrender to the inner silence.
Smile Gently
When you want to meditate properly, a gentle smile throughout the duration keeps you relaxed, peaceful and enhances your meditation experience.
At the end of your meditation at home, you mustn’t hurry to open your eyes. Do it gradually and take time to become aware of yourself and your surroundings.
Image Courtesy: Getty
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