During shelter in place, one of the most important habits I’ve formed is a daily meditation practice. It wasn’t easy, but it is so worth it — I promise!
Are you looking to start your meditation practice? Feeling that you need clarity and focus throughout your day? Meditation has helped me to be more intentional with every action through my work, meals, movement and everyday life.
Here are a few tips to get you started into your meditation practice. You don’t have to do them all at once, feel free to pick and choose what most resonates with you. Let’s start the journey within:
1. Do it first thing in the morning.
It’s a great way to start the day, to focus inward and on yourself before dealing with the rest of life’s happenings. I know, getting out of bed is the hard part, but I promise you will feel so much better!
2. Set your timer for 5 minutes.
When you’re just getting started, you may find a 5 minute meditation is easy to accomplish. I think it’s a perfect start! As you begin to get into the groove of your meditation practice, begin to increase each session by another 5 minutes. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself meditating with ease and comfort for longer amounts of time. But start off small!
3. Create a zoned off space for your meditation.
For me, it is on my yoga mat in the corner of my bedroom. For you, it might be a comfortable chair, in your garden, on the porch step, your bathtub, underneath a sunny windowsill… pick a spot. It will help to create a routine. Once you have your spot, you have the option to create it in a way you love with cushions, plants, altars, blankets and rugs. The limits are endless! For me, less is more.
4. Playing some background music.
It could be white noise like ocean waves, or some acoustics that feels soothing to you. Some times I love listening to birds chirp, other days I like heavy bass. Have fun with this!
5. Count your breaths.
When I studied at the temples, one of our leaders asked us to meditate for ten minutes and many of the younger children could not sit still. She asked us to count our breaths and I found this to be so helpful. Now in my classes, I use this method of counting after each breath as a way to help bring focus.
6. Scan your body.
Deepen your awareness of your body, starting from the crown of your head, to your jaw, your shoulders, core, and sit bones on the floor. Notice your hands on your lap or the bend of your knee, the legs and feet onto the floor.
