On meditation “best practices”.
As we continue to explore meditation and how to incorporate this powerful practice into our lives, I would like to offer some best practices.
Last month I shared just a few of the many benefits of a consistent meditation practice. Knowing the WHY hopefully sparks some inspiration, especially on those days when it's extra challenging to make it to your meditation cushion.
Here are some helpful tips as you strive to integrate meditation into your life:
Find a comfortable seat/position: whether that means lying down, sitting on a chair, investing in a meditation cushion. Make sure that you are comfortable to minimize distractions. This might involve a little bit of trial + error, or adjusting on a daily basis based on what's happening in your body.
Pick a spot: Find a space in your home with minimal distractions to facilitate the transition into your meditation practice. This could involve candles + items that are meaningful to you.
Decide on a daily time: Pick a time that consistently works in your life, whether it's with your morning coffee, after yoga + exercise, etc.
Start small: Start with a time that feels approachable for you … that could be 5 minutes, and then gradually build from there.
Beyond allocating specific times to be in meditation, you can also explore ways to integrate mindfulness into your daily life. Mindfulness if a form of meditation. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as "... paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally." It is simply awareness in the present moment ... walking the dog, cooking dinner, conversations with friends, etc. Consider picking a daily activity: morning shower, eating a meal, going for a walk, it could be anything ... and focus wholly and completely on that single activity. No phones, no TV, no music, and be fully absorbed in whatever you are doing.
Next month, I will offer some suggestions on different types of meditation practices. In the meantime, I hope this gives you some ways to explore integrating meditation and mindfulness in your daily life. Please let me know how your practice and your summer is going.
In love, light + with gratitude,
Nicole