Have you ever thought to yourself that meditation is just for new age hippies? That you are too restless and not spiritual enough to pull it off. And seriously - you are way too busy to just sit on a pillow and do nothing. If so, that's it totally OK and totally normal. Most people have this idea of what meditation is and it is that idea that stops them from even trying. Here's the ting: meditation is simple – but not easy. Just like with everything else you need to practice and you need to priorities to get it into your daily routine.
I’ve had a regular meditation practice for more than 15 years now. I have fallen off the meditation wagon many, many times so I am here to help you get started, not to set the bar to high and actually get a regular meditation practice in your life. For me meditation is like working out. I do it. I don't always love it. I often come up with excuses why i shouldn't do it. But I know it makes me feel so much better. It is a stress reliever. And by meditating daily I become calmer, happier and kinder.
So you need to find a routine that works for you, but here is what I do. I prefer to meditate first thing in the morning. Before I look at my phone or open my e-mail. If I start scrolling or checking messages my brain goes straight into “work mode” and it makes it hard to stop the mind from drifting and me thinking about everything I have to do that day. But there is no right or wrong time to meditate. Find a time that works for you. And then stick to that time every day. It's like making a really important meeting with yourself. And bosses don't cancel plans, right?
In the morning I practice what's called Vipassana Meditation, so I sit in silence and just observe whatever shows up. The good, the bad and the ugly. I learned this technique at a 10 day silent meditation retreat I did a few years ago. In the afternoon/evening I try to squeeze in a 15-20 minute meditation, and I usually do a mantra meditation, a mala meditation, a Kundalini meditation or mantra chanting
Read more: Meditation Mantas.
If you want to have music in the background when you meditate I suggest you choose music with no lyrics, or lyrics in Sanskrit, and with a melody that is not over powering. You don't want top be distracted by a beat or the lyrics. Sounds of the nature also works really well for some. You just want something soothing in the background. Another good thing with music is that you can pick a song that is say 20 minutes long, and then you don’t have to worry about how long you’ve been sitting or feel the need to look at the clock. You just meditate for the whole song.
I also firmly believe it is important that you create a sacred space for yourself and your meditation practice in your home. It can be a meditation room, but it can also be a corner in your bedroom or inside your walk-in-closet. Here you will create an altar that you’ll decorate with things that are important to you. It does not have to be Buddha statues and crystals, it can be a framed photo of your loved once, a flower or whatever.
In the beginning of your meditation practice (or just days you feel that you need it) it might be easier for you to do a Guided Meditation. Then you’ll have someone talking you thru the whole thing, to help you stay with your breath and stay present to what is.
My 5 Best Meditation Tips
1. Start with just 5 minutes per day.
2. Create a meditation space
3. Meditate at the same time and the same place every day.
4. Invest in a meditation pillow or meditation bench (this is the one I have and highly recommend).
5. Do a Guided Meditation.
