Beginning Meditation

The current news is full of stories about the pandemic, the effects of global warming, and the hopelessness of fleeing migrants;  it can be easy to get overwhelmed and stressed!  Stress  and the relentless march of negative thoughts can be like a burning fire leading to disease.  Most of our ills come from not living in the moment; we are either ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. So what is One to do?
 
Hands down, practice meditation.   Practicing meditation brings you to the place where you can relax and enjoy your day moment by moment, no matter what is swirling around you.   Your body and mind are constantly giving you clues about what is right and what is out of sorts and what to do to regain equilibrium.  The more you practice meditation, the more it gives back: the more you are able to listen to the clues your body is always telling you.  Are you ready to feel more healthy, happy and relaxed?  

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So, how to begin? There are innumerable techniques for meditation, but I find it best to begin with the simplest.  So just for today, set aside a few moments to sit quietly and begin by paying attention to your breath. If you are in a space where you can do so, you might find it helpful to close your eyes.
 
First, just take a long breathe in.  Go ahead and really feel your lungs fill and your abdomen expand.  Then make a nice sigh and breathe out nice and long.  As you breathe in focus on your breath as it enters your body.  Let your mind rest on the breath.  Thoughts will come and go and try to get you to leave and pull you away from the present moment.  As soon as you notice your mind is wandering, see those thoughts dissolve and move your attention back to your breath.   
 
The breath brings us energy.  As we pay attention to our breath, we can learn where we are comfortable in our body or mind, and where we are stuck.  You can even bring your breath to areas that seem stagnant and uncomfortable, and soon you will experience them releasing and flowing smoothly again.   
 
You can stay in meditation as along as you like.  When you are ready, gradually look at your surroundings while you maintain your sense of balance.  Make no judgments about your practice.  There are no failures; just practice.  You will find that the more you practice this simple meditation, the easier it is to stay centered and balanced no matter what you are exposed to during your day.  The more centered you are, the more content you will be.  The more content you are, the healthier you will be.
 
It is beneficial to set aside the same time or times of the day to practice your meditation and make it routine.   Soon you will look forward to your time here and will thrive on it.   
 
So let’s begin!  There is no time like the present.
 
In Gratitude,
Shivani