PEACE IN PERFECT HARMONY

Stress has become so common in modern life that many people accept it as a matter of default. The unfortunate result is decreased personal and business satisfaction, as well as threats to physical health. You do not need to keep swallowing this bitter pill. You can use meditation to live smarter and better. Whether you are new to it or have been at it for years, these meditation tips can give you more results that are positive.

Break the mold.

Meditation techniques tend to be relatively cookie-cutter. Listening to calming music while being conscious of your breathing, for example, is a recommendation found in just about every meditation resource. Such a uniform approach is problematic because each person is distinct and has unique experiences, tastes, skills, and knowledge. Individual circumstances, physical statuses, and philosophies are also highly varied. In this light, what works for someone else might not work at all for you. If the smell of freshly washed clothes calms you rather than the aroma of essential oils, that is fine. Just accept yourself and make your meditation methods your own. It is important to understand that a grasp of meditative principles is much more important than the precise methodology.

Pencil it in.

Even irregular meditation can have significant benefits. When you meditate, you are teaching your mind and body to function in a particular way. It takes time for your brain to get used to doing it and for you to become physically comfortable with the process.

Scheduling a regular time for meditation ensures meditative practice becomes a habit, which will make it easier and more natural.

Keep in mind that the time you schedule does not have to be huge, especially if you are new to the practice. Even taking a single minute at the start of each day or during your work break is a step in the right direction. You can always increase the time you meditate as you go along. Additionally, there is no “right” or “wrong” time to meditate. Do it whenever you can commit to it.

Scheduling other times for planning can be especially helpful as you try to find a consistent time for meditation. People often worry about other things when they take time to meditate. If you know you have other time already marked off to handle those things and think about them, it is a little easier for you to move them out of your focus and concentrate on something else.

Stop expecting.

This might seem a little counterintuitive, but all too often people give up on meditation because they expect it to provide certain benefits almost on demand.

They expect they will feel a specific way or think particular thoughts, and they feel disappointed or cheated if they don’t. Meditation is not about getting to a predefined point or getting into a niche. It is about taking a journey and learning along the way, about simply becoming aware of and comfortable in the moment. The more you toss away your preconceived notions about what should happen, the more surprising, fulfilling, and enlightening your meditation sessions can be.

Invest in your comfort.

The mind and the body are inextricably connected. If you are physically uncomfortable in some way when you try to meditate, you simply will not be able to relax as much or be truly free in your thoughts. Whether it is buying an extra cushion for your couch, closing the blinds, or opting to sprawl in your bed instead of sitting in a chair, do what it takes to get yourself physically ready.

Meditation can have incredible benefits if you do it properly. If you want to get started, or would like to get more out of your sessions, things like setting aside your expectations and preserving time for meditation on your calendar can go a long way. Remember, meditation is always a process. There is always room to move forward, so don’t judge yourself for where you are now. Just be, accept, and enjoy.

People use meditation for various health problems, such as anxiety, pain, depression, stress, insomnia, and physical or emotional symptoms that may be associated with chronic illnesses and their treatment.

use e m di editation on for v i arious such as stress, insomnia a , and nd phy ph sical or emotional l symptoms that at may y be associated with chronic illnesses and their treatment

SOURCE: nccam.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm

SOURCE: n : ccaam.nih.gov/heaalth/meditation/overview.htm