For an endless hour that felt like forever, I sat bored, cross-legged and straight-backed, enduring the pain. I felt like I stayed so long in that moment I just wanted to get on with being busy. I’d laugh at anybody who attempted to tell me that they had mastered meditation! I struggled so much it seemed like I would never get the hang of it!
Yet, Here I am, a daily meditater who owes her good peace of mind to the practice. It has indeed changed my life.
But Nothing happens in a day or two, everything you want to master takes time. Meditating used to cause me a lot of pain and suffering, but it has since given me pleasure and now I don’t know how I would live without it.
I found that meditation had a profoundly transformative effect on me and it might be the same for you! Here are some things I wished I knew before going into the land of meditation…
1. Begin with a modest goal.
Start with only 5 minutes a day, then work your way up from there. Starting with 30-minute sessions can be stressful and lead to burnout, but starting with 5-minute sessions is feasible and will help you get your program off the ground quickly.
2. Help yourself feel at ease
Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothes and check that the room’s temperature is just right. Finding a peaceful, comfortable area to practice doesn’t matter if you’re sitting on a cushion, in a chair, or even on your bed. There’s no need to assume the lotus posture; just sit (or lay down) in whichever position seems most natural to you. Simply shut your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go if you like.
4. Get rid of interruptions
To be comfortable and attentive, remove as many distractions as possible from your environment.. Shut off your mobile phone before you begin your practice session (or put it in another room). Turn off your PC and phone’s notifications. Please don’t bother me while I’m meditating. Please let my housemates and family know when I’m doing this. (If you have children, this may be difficult.). During your practice period, try enlisting the assistance of your spouse; if they are also doing meditation, you may return the favor!
5. Pay attention on your breathing
Once you’ve found a comfortable position, focus on your breathing. Make an effort to take deep, steady breaths and hold them for a count of 5 before gently releasing them.
6. Stay grounded even if your thoughts veer off
It’s common for your thoughts to stray. Instead of trying to “stop” your thoughts, the purpose of meditation should be observation, acknowledgement, and letting go. To relax your thoughts, just keep bringing your attention back to your breathing.
7. Concentrate on yourself and your body
During your practice, pay attention to the bodily sensations you’re experiencing. This will help you remain present and aware of where your attention is going. Don’t dismiss (or criticize) any bodily pain you may be experiencing; instead, be aware of it and keep your attention on your breathing.
9. It’s critical to be dedicated to your training
Give yourself enough time to include meditation into your daily routine. For the first month, set daily reminders in your calendar to remind you to meditate. It will take time for the habit to take hold, but making a deliberate effort is critical in the beginning.
10. Find a group you’re comfortable to meditate with
Some individuals prefer to meditate alone, while others feel that practicing with others makes their experience richer. In a lot of places, there are Zen or Tibetan meditation centers where you may go and meditate with others. Alternatively, you might join one of the many online organizations available to gain motivation and support in your profession.