Meditation might seem like a rather easy task but let us tell you that it is no child's play. More often than not, what happens is that you sit down to meditate and then find yourself thinking about a million other things. But that's alright. Not everyone is an expert at meditation and if you're a beginner then you have quite a long way to get there. So, if you want to figure out how you can rid your mind of unnecessary thoughts and get to the meditating bit, these methods will help you ease into meditation. Take a look.
Do it in the morning
How many times do you claim you'll do certain things in a day and then completely forget about those things as the day moves on? Well, that's why it's important for you to opt for things like meditation in the morning. If you do it as a routine every morning, you're bound to remember to do it every day. And the morning is also often the time when your mind is fresh and clear of thoughts.
Come right back when you wander
If your mind begins to wander mid-meditation (and we know it will), don't be too hard on yourself. Just smile, and walk your mind right back to the meditation process. Start over as many times as you need and eventually you'll get the hang of it.
Strike a yoga pose
Yes, we understand this looks like you're getting into it directly but because yoga is so intricate, it requires you to focus entirely on it. Owing to this, your mind will completely be diverted towards nailing your pose and you can use the pose to swiftly get into meditation.
Step outside
Sometimes being within nature can help you become one with yourself. Take a walk in your local park and clear your head. When you're done, sit on the grass and opt for whatever meditation technique you want. Your surroundings will help you feel calmer too.
Write things down
As we mentioned earlier, our minds tend to stray when we try to meditate. To ensure that this doesn't happen, try to write down all your thoughts before you sit to meditate. This way you'll have already thought of everything and your mind will feel at ease.
Be comfortable
Don't listen to all that hocus pocus about being in some flower position to help open the best potentials to your mind. All you need to do is sit comfortably and whether you choose to sit on the ground, on a couch, in your bed or even on your dining table is entirely up to you.
Give yourself time to get into it
When you sit down for your meditation, your mind is going to start flailing around thinking about all the things you forgot to do or haven't done yet. Let your mind do this and once you've thought of everything, slowly start your meditation. This way your mind will be clear when you meditate.
Focus on your breathing
Even though you might roll your eyes at this one because you've heard it a million times before, trust us when we say that focusing on your breathing does help. When you pause between the inhale and the exhale, you find something to focus on and help melt all your stress away. Doing this for just 15 minutes can help.
Commit to your journey
It's easy to give up when the journey is hard. You may think it's just not going to work for you. But just like anything else, you need to put in the work and time to achieve your goal. "If you want to build a practice you have to commit to doing so,"Ellie Burrows Gluck, founder and CEO of MNDFL—a group meditation space featuring expert teachers who provide a variety of meditating traditions and techniques, told a news portal. Adding, "Most studies show you need about 10 minutes per day for about eight to 10 weeks to see the benefits."
Build on your skills
Over time and with patience, you will start to notice that you are getting better at it. That is the time to build on your skill so you can get better."The benefits build over time so if you want to see the benefits you have to practice regularly," Ellie Burrows Gluck, founder and CEO of MNDFL—a group meditation space featuring expert teachers who provide a variety of meditating traditions and techniques, told a news portal. If your mind starts to wander off, it's ok. Remember that it is normal. Focus on your breath when that happens
Make a choice
The very act of making the choice to put yourself first will help you to take better control of your life. "Much like we can become consumed by thoughts and then choose to come back to the breath on the cushion, off the cushion we can use that same awareness when we become consumed by emotions and then choose to sit in our discomfort instead of reacting in a way that might cause harm to us or someone else," Ellie Burrows Gluck, founder and CEO of MNDFL—a group meditation space featuring expert teachers who provide a variety of meditating traditions and techniques, told a news portal. Adding, "Meditation is helpful because it can give us the tools to begin to become aware of how we are occurring in whatever moment we are in.
Be consistent
If you want to lose weight, you have to exercise regularly and be consistent to see results. That's true for meditation as well. You need to make sure you take a little time out (all you need is 10 minutes) of your day and simply sit still. Mark it on your calendar if you need to so you know at what time you have to tune everything out and go inward. "It can be helpful to keep the time of day consistent, the length of your practice consistent, and even the environment consistent—think your favourite spot on a couch or designated corner with a meditation cushion," Ellie Burrows Gluck, founder and CEO of MNDFL—a group meditation space featuring expert teachers who provide a variety of meditating traditions and techniques, told a news portal.