Understanding Meditation
What is meditation? What is the aim? Why do it?
Firstly meditation is a tool, not a solution….
Meditation is a tool, not a solution, to living a more fulfilling, less stressful, and happier life. I say not a solution because so many people start meditation and then after a few sessions, say it’s not working and it’s not for them. The irony of mediation is that the harder you try and the more goals you set, the further you are getting from the core aim of meditation, which is to slow the mind, stop the internal chatter, stop regretting yesterday, and worrying about tomorrow, be present in the moment and accept you for who you are, faults and all. The minute you start setting goals you are living in the future, and you are desiring to achieve something. Just let all desires and expectation go. Even the simple goal of meditating for a set period every day, then starts to become a chore and something that has to be achieved. Just accept that some day’s meditation will be long and fruitful, other days barely 1 minute will be achievable. It’s not about the time it’s about the attitude with which meditation is attempted.
A simple starting meditation can look something like the following, although there is no wrong or right way, but the aim in all methods is to still the internal chatter, and just be.
Find a quite spot, preferably outside in nature, or listen to some nature sounds on your IPhone. Ultimately meditation does not depend on a quiet external environment and can be done anywhere, but when starting give yourself the best advantage.
Sit in a comfortable position. Sitting crossed legs in the Lotus position is not a prerequisite. Just be comfortable. Don’t lie down when beginning.
Commence with circular breathing, in through the nose, down the spine, into the Dan Tian (the space between your belly button and groin), then breathe out through the mouth. Imagine the inwards breath is light and white and full of good energy, the outward breath is black and full of bad energy which you are dispelling from your body.
After 3 circular breaths, slow the breathing and just start to listen to the sounds around you. It doesn't matter what they are, just listen without judgement. When you notice your thoughts have drifted, just focus back on your breathing again and then back to the sounds. Your thoughts will run away with you after only a few seconds when you first begin, but over time you will start to find the process easier.
Don’t put time pressures on meditation. It may only be 1 or 2 minutes to start with, it doesn't matter, 1 minute of calm is better than 10 minutes of effort and stress.
When finishing complete with 3 circular breaths then open your eyes, and move on with your day.