Meditation is a way for us to stop for a moment and be calm. In a busy world, it gives us a moment to pause, breathe and reset.
World Meditation Day is on May 21st. Regularly taking the time to meditate can help to reduce stress levels.
Meditation has been linked to improved immune function, better sleep, and reduced inflammation, all of which can contribute to better physical health and well-being.
Meditation tips
Here are some top tips for beginners:
- Set some time aside: find a routine that works for you. Meditation works best with regular sessions.
- Find a comfortable place: Find somewhere comfortable where you won’t be disturbed.
- Be mindful: be aware of your senses, what can you hear? What can you smell? By noticing these things, you might feel more connected with your body and less concerned with your thoughts.
- Focus your mind: A wandering mind is a natural part of a meditation practice. There is no right or wrong way to meditate but take the time to notice when your mind is distracted during a mediation practice. Once you have noticed this, you have the opportunity to shift your focus back to your breath.
- Mastering meditation: Mastering meditation takes practice, the more you try the easier it will be. A meditation filled with rising thoughts and a wandering mind is still a meditation and still beneficial. There is no right or wrong way to meditate – the important thing is that you are taking the time to invest in your mental wellbeing.
Do you meditate? Do you have any top tips?
Watch Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche share three steps to help you accept the ebb and flow of your emotions and learn to meditate anytime, anywhere, in the video below.
