Around the Wheel of Life – Day 9
Here are some tips that will help you begin a meditation practice:
Meditate regularly. Don’t just meditate when you are feeling stressed or sick or wanting to figure out what to do about something. Meditate when things are going smoothly and easily, too.
Be comfortable. You don’t have to sit cross-legged or any other particular way. If you are comfortable sitting up, do so, but if that is not conducive for you, just get into a comfortable position. Remember to keep your spine comfortably straight. You may find it easier, especially starting out, to lie down to meditate. If you do, you will probably find a pillow under your head and neck, and one under your knees will make you more comfortable and relaxed. Also, it is beneficial to wear loose or comfortable clothing while meditating; be as comfortable as possible.
Create a good environment for meditating. Even though a nice environment is not required to meditate, it will help, especially when you are starting out. Choose a time to meditate when you are less likely to be disturbed. Create a space that is quiet; you may have to silence your phone, etc. Burning incense or candles can add to your relaxation if you enjoy them. Soft music can also support your meditation. Just create, to the extent that you can, a peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable environment for your meditation.
You may want to set a timer, especially if you are going to lie down. The meditation may create such a relaxing environment, that you may fall asleep. Set an amount of time for your meditation. Thirty minutes or an hour is good, but if that seems like too much when you are starting out, just begin with 10 or 15 minute meditations. Set a timer to let you know when the specified time has passed. You won’t need to do this for long, but it can be helpful when you’re starting a new meditation practice.
