Meditate for at least a few minutes twice a day.
Read a few pages from a spiritual* book.
Smile, even when its tough.
*Spiritual books evoke a response from you and often uplift you.
A spiritual book
can be the Bible or The Little Prince or Othello.
Meditation is an ancient practice. Some of oldest spiritual books on the
planet, written thousands of years ago, mention meditation. Many things come
and go through the centuries. Fashions change. The pace of life change. Yet,
meditation endures.
For practices, like meditation, survive for so long is a testament to both it's power and the success it brings.
In this article, we will present some foundations to build into your meditation practice.
The Basics:
- Keep it simple.
- Do it every day, twice a day if possible.
- Have fun with it.
- Focus! Meditation is about sharpening your mind, not spacing out.
The Practice:
Keep it simple. Follow your heart in your practice. If you need
soft cushions and candlelight, get them. If you need quiet music, use it.
You are the only one who understands exactly what works for you. Everyone has
different needs, so it is very important to realize that a meditation environment
that works well for your best friend, may not work as well for you. Seek that
which is natural and easy.
Do it every day. If you are new to meditation, sit for 15 minutes twice a day.
Meditation is a skill. Like any skill it takes time to understand it and time to master it.
Practice every day. Developing a new habit may take a while. Persist.
Have fun with it. Keep your meditation interesting. Choose two techniques,
and practice one in the morning,
and one in the evening for a week or two. Then, change to two other
techniques. Or if you have one technique that is working wonderfully,
and you are able to focus on it without getting bored, use it.
Focus. Meditation is all about sharpening your mind. Over time you
will think more clearly. You might be promoted at work because you saw
a terrific solution to a problem. Meditation is all about improving your
life. As you meditate, you develop perspective and balance.
You go outside your normal self. You will see life
in new ways, and possibly take interest in new activities.
In the end if you are getting a little happier every day, a little more balanced
you are succeeding. You should always look forward to your meditation time. Otherwise,
you need a change. Try a new technique. Sit in a different place. Try meditating with a
group, or alone.
May you enjoy your precious moments playing in the universes of light!
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