Meditation Basics (FAQ)
Close your eyes. Breathe in. You hear the noise of the city. Breathe out. Then there’s the television blaring in the other room. Your neighbor yelling for her kids to come eat dinner. With all this fuss, it’s no wonder you’re having a tough time trying to meditate.
Like so many stressed out and overworked adults, you’ve been trying to find ways to release the anxiety and worry in your life. Ads for meditation apps keep showing up in your social media feed. Your friends mention how they meditate once a day and suggest you try it. You finally decide give it a shot. You light candles and sit on the floor with your legs crossed, but can’t seem to tap into your zen.
I’m here to tell you that you’re going to be okay. No matter what you’re going through or how hard it may be to do it now, you too can meditate. You don’t have to take an Eat, Pray, Love trip to India and stay in an ashram to do it unless you really want to. Honestly, you can achieve that same peace and tranquility in your humble home in the middle of chaos. It just takes practice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What Is Meditation?
The history of meditation goes back thousands of years. You can find evidence of throughout Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and many other religions. Meditation is an ancient tradition that spans cultures and backgrounds. It can be religious spiritual, and very personal.
When you get down to the nuts and bolts of it, meditation is a practice to help one find calm and clarity. It can help you de-stress by sifting through all the clutter and noise in your mind to zero in on one thing. Truthfully, it’s a challenge to clear our minds, but we can focus our energy on a singular thought.
What Are The Benefits of Meditation?
First let me say that I’m not a doctor. I have not conducted extensive studies on the benefits of meditation, but I can tell you what I have experienced for myself not only as someone who meditates but someone who is a meditation practitioner.
Meditation is literally a game-changer. It can help reduce stress. Meditation aids in improving attention and focus which can also enhance self awareness. You’ve heard the term mindfulness. Boom! Having trouble sleeping? Try meditating. Oh, did I mention it can help lower blood pressure. The list goes on. Bottom line: meditation can improve your overall well-being.
Quickfire:
Do you have to burn incense and chant to meditate?
You can if you like. Chanting and incense are parts of different kinds of meditation. Do whatever helps you in your meditation practice. Explore.
Must I sit cross-legged with my eyes closed?
Once again, not unless you want to. In fact, you can meditate sitting, standing up, or laying down. I will even meditate in the middle of the day while parked at my desk. You can close your eyes. You can even keep them open with a soft focus on one object. The point is that you should be comfortable and your body balanced. Relax every part of yourself.
How often and when?
Start meditating a few minutes a day and see how you feel. You can do it in the morning when you wake up or before going to sleep. The thing is, you should carve out a time when you can do it consistently. Build the habit and also the habit becomes a ritual. Eventually, you’ll be able to meditate for longer periods.
What if I’m too old, too this, or too that to start meditating?
Have grace for yourself. There is no age requirement or previous experiences necessary to meditate. Anyone and I mean absolutely anyone, can do it.
What if I lose focus?
Breathe and begin again. It’s normal to go in and out of focus. Observe our thoughts then let them wash over you like a wave. Do not judge your thoughts. This technique is adopted from Buddhism or zen meditation and is often used in mindfulness practices.