| Meditation is an excellent technique for combating | | | | music into your player and begin. |
| everyday stressors. It clears the mind, enhances | | | | Third and last, when the practice is over, remain |
| focus, and helps people reach a higher and | | | | still for several minutes to reflect on your |
| different state of consciousness, which helps with | | | | experience. How did it go? Did you "learn" anything |
| problem solving and creativity. | | | | new? Have any epiphanies? When you feel that |
| But many people don't know where to start. | | | | you've fully come back into the present moment, |
| Knowing what to think about or how to position | | | | you might want to use a journal to record your |
| the body might stand in the way of a good thing, | | | | experience to further enhance the practice. Just |
| so follow these three meditation techniques for | | | | like a person records his or her physical training, |
| beginners, and you'll be set. | | | | you might also want to record your meditation |
| First you want to set the stage. Because | | | | training. |
| meditation is so focused, you will want to | | | | If these suggestions aren't working, you might |
| eliminate distractions and make sure you're | | | | want to try a yoga or Tai Chi class, where |
| completely comfortable. Begin by finding a place | | | | movement is incorporated into the meditation. |
| to lie down. You can use a bed, couch, or place on | | | | Some people---in fact most people--have a hard |
| the floor, and then add cushions or a blanket to | | | | time starting. Their thoughts are too fleeting, they |
| add to your comfort. Next, close the blinds, shut | | | | can't lie still for long, or they just can't get into it. |
| the door, and gently shoo friends, family, and pets | | | | Like many new activities, meditation takes |
| from the vicinity. A nice touch might include | | | | practice. Start with a shorter practice and |
| aromatherapy products geared toward the effect | | | | gradually work up to the longer sessions. The |
| you are seeking (relaxing, energizing, stress relief, | | | | mark of a good meditation session is not hours |
| etc.). | | | | and hours of practice; many people who meditate |
| The second step is to start meditating. Meditators | | | | regularly have become so adept at focusing that |
| of all abilities use guided meditations that are | | | | their sessions can be accomplished in 5-10 minutes |
| found on CD and MP3. Depending on your | | | | if that's all the time they have. Several tries might |
| personal purpose for meditation, you can choose | | | | be needed to establish a strong focus, so if at |
| from mindfulness meditations, relaxation, or | | | | first you don't succeed, keep at it! |
| autogenic conditioning, to name a few. Load the | | | | |