Meditation is one of the hardest skill for me to master. Its easier for me to train my body for a Triathlon then it is for me to sit quietly and think of NOTHING.
I have one of those “monkey minds” at least that is what my yogi told me. Let me explain it to you because you may be a fellow tribal mate of mine. I have a mind in which is hard to shut off. I think all the time. I have never been able to sit longer than 3 seconds without thinking… I get in my comfortable position, take my shoes off, sit in a lotus position, close my eyes, begin my breathing exercise and then boom I start talking to myself in my head…”I need to remember to pick up dental floss today at the grocery store, or what is today’s date, is my Nordstroms bill due? Why is my middle toe longer than my big toe?’ you know my mind chatters with insignificant stuff.
But I love a challenge! So I have researched many eastern techniques on conquering this exercise and I have tried many different techniques, candle staring, visual imagery, chanting monks, repeated mantra’s and then I realized I have to focus more in depth on STEP ONE-Breathing
If you want to begin meditation you must first try your hand at breath counting. This is a life skill to teach your children as well, it will help them to concentrate better, reduce stress and relax before bedtime.
Sit in a comfortable position with the spine straight and head inclined slightly forward. Gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then let the breath come naturally without trying to influence it. Ideally it will be quiet and slow, but depth and rhythm may vary.
- To begin the exercise, count “one” to yourself as you exhale.
- The next time you exhale, count “two,” and so on up to “five.”
- Then begin a new cycle, counting “one” on the next exhalation.
Never count higher than “five,” and count only when you exhale. You will know your attention has wandered when you find yourself up to “eight,” “12,” even “19.”
Try to do 10 minutes of this form of meditation.
