Developing a Personal Meditation Practice

Developing a Personal Meditation Practice

Hello, I am the owner of a New You Self Care Self Care and Wellness Center and I offer weekly and meditation classes and I am always asked by clients how to meditate daily. I reply that just 5 minutes a day will get you in a routine that will help you develop the meditation practice perfect for you.

You can add more time as you go along, but the time length itself is not important. What is important is simply being in the here and now and allowing your time to be just yours.

Meditation is a practice which means that you practice it. Daily. It is never perfected. You will always grow and change due to this practice. Meditation simply involves silencing our mind and allowing it to show us what we need to know or learn. It will allow you to learn exactly who you are and who you want to be.

So let's begin your journey to a meditation practice just for you.

Steps to Beginning a Meditation Practice:

1. Choose a specific time for meditation.

First, decide when you would like to meditate. This could be in the morning or afternoon, in the evening, and even before bed. You may meditate multiple times per day. There is no minimum or maximum when you choose to meditate.

The key is to choose a time that you can dedicate each day. Once you decide on a time, try to make sure that you continue during this time. Setting a practice begins with it becoming a habit.

But don't be upset if you miss your time due to travel, etc. Simply chose another time and space to meditate. The point is to dedicate your time to this.

2. Create your sacred space for meditation.

Dedicating a sacred space for meditation doesn't mean spending a lot of money on pillows and mala beads. All you need is a quiet space with no distractions and if possible allow the place to be dim possibly lit by Himalayan salt lamps or other soft light such as this.

Many people choose a meditation pillow, but those can be expensive. Others opt for a yoga mat, a blanket to sit on, or even simply a bed or mattress. The point of this sacred space is to allow you to disconnect to the outside world and to focus on your meditation.

3. Relax and let go.

Once you have decided when and where, now it is the time to just relax and let go. Begin getting comfortable on your pillow or mat and sit up tall. Cross your legs and allow your arms to fall to your lap. You may place them down on your knee or upwards in your lap or on your knees.

Next, take a deep breathe and just relax. Begin at your toes and begin to let them fall gently on the floor. Then move your focus up to your legs, your hips, your torso, your chest, your arms, your neck, and finally, your head. With each area, take in a deep breath and hold it and then relax the area. As you move upwards, you will begin to feel your entire body relax. This is where you want to be...simply relaxed.

4. Silence your mind.

Now, here comes the part that most people find to be the hardest thing about meditating—silencing the mind. Many feel like, if they think things or hear outside noises, then they are failing at meditation and must quit. This isn't true. Remember that meditation is a practice and not perfection.

As you sit quietly, choose a word, goal or mantra to focus on. An example may be peace, patience, or a sound or musical note. As you begin to focus on this mantra, notice if or when your mind begins to wander. When it wanders simply recognize it and then allow it to blow away like the wind.

5. Keep a journal.

Keep a journal and pen next to you when you meditate. When you finish meditating, simply pick up the journal and write your experience down. Were there distractions, thoughts, or messages. What feelings did you feel? Did you feel connected to the inner you? This is your time, take as long as you like and write what you felt.

Another idea is to draw what you felt. Many people don't like to write but may use crayons to color feelings or even to draw pictures. There is no right or wrong way to journal, just as there is no right or wrong way to meditate.

So what now?

Once you begin to become comfortable with this practice, begin to explore other types of meditations such as guided, walking, japa, coloring, and more. I will be exploring these in the next article so keep an eye out for that.

Bertena has a Bachelor and Masters in Divinity and is finishing her Philosopher Degree in the Paranormal and Parapsychology. She also has a Bachelor and Masters in Social Science and Education and a Masters in Sociology, Criminology and is pursuing a Folk Studies and Museum Studies Masters as well. You can find more about her here.

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