When it comes to balancing the mind and body, meditation is one of the most powerful tools out there. While many may be quick to dismiss this, many studies over the years have proven that meditation is extremely effective when it comes to bringing the body and mind into alignment, leading to a happier, and healthier, individual.
No Distractions
In order for your mind to truly let go, you need to remove any distractions. From setting up a peaceful space with candles and soft music, to putting your cell phone on vibrate and in another room, try to make the effort to create an atmosphere that is as soothing as possible. To make sure that you are not disturbed, choose a convenient hour during which you normally relax, and, if your house is usually quite busy, choose a location that is quiet and calm.
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Short Sessions
For those who are trying to meditate for the first time, it is important to set yourself up for success and opt for a short session rather than a longer one. Anywhere between three to five minutes is ideal, as anything longer than that can be quite challenging and frustrating. Set a timer for the length of time that you have chosen, so that you do not need to keep glancing at a clock during the session.
Have Realistic Expectations
When it comes to trying meditation for the first time, many often begin with unrealistic expectations, believing that they will achieve enlightenment in just a few minutes. To enjoy the best meditation experience possible, let go of any expectations and let your meditation sessions unfold naturally, building these up with regular practice and dedication.
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Experiment with Different Types of Meditation
Many are not aware of the fact that there are actually so many different types of meditation out there, so even if you may have tried meditating in the past and not enjoyed it, there is likely to be a technique that suits you much better. Mantra meditation makes use of words that are chanted during each session, while focused meditation techniques enable you to clear your mind and focus on a single thought. Metta meditation emphasizes the cultivation of unconditional love, for yourself as well as others, while Qigong is a practice, which many consider to be an exercise, that borrows elements from Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. If there is no one near you that can advise you on the different types of meditation, it would be worth reading up on it yourself, or watching a few online video tutorials, giving each type a try in order to really see how it may benefit you.
While meditation may not be easy to master when you first begin, those who persevere are always glad that they did. Meditation is not only a great way to reduce stress and bring about mindfulness, but it has also been proven to boost the immune system and improve cognitive focus, meaning that not only will your mind and body be in balance after a meditation session, but they will also be much healthier as a result.
