Step Six – Meditative/Resting Phase
Meditation’s most basic purpose is to help one stay centered. It balances the body’s systems, and has been used by many cultures throughout the world to ease chronic pain, anxiety, stress, improve heart health and boost mood and immunity. Unfortunately, however, most Americans haven’t taken the time to relish in its benefits, and probably really aren’t even sure where to begin!
We are often always on the go. We live busy, stressful lives. And, stress can take a toll on the mind and body. Learning to reduce the impact of stress on ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally, can help ensure we have the strength and energy to continue our pursuit of happiness. Limiting stress has been shown to have very real health benefits, including:
-Boosting the immune system
-Healing the gut
-Balancing our emotions
-Reducing anxiety and depression
-Reducing risk for heart disease
-Reducing risk for cancer
So, it is important, even if you feel like you can conquer the world with all of the new opportunities that have been placed before you now that you’ve escaped dire circumstances, to take the time to rest. Here are some tips to practicing effective meditation:
-Begin by playing a calming track on any type of music player.
-Set an alarm for five minutes initially. You may increase this as time passes.
-Sit in a comfortable position. Ideally, you’ll want to sit with your back against a chair, both feet flat on the floor, and your hands relaxing on your thighs. Close your eyes.
-Focus on your breath and your body’s movements, though slight. Breathe in deeply through your nose, hold the breath a moment, and release slowly out your mouth. Repeat for the duration of the exercise.
-If your mind begins to wander, take a mental pause, embrace this, and return to the present. Try to completely clear your thoughts, and afterwards, note how many times your mind wandered. This will improve, and should lessen, as you become more comfortable with this practice.
-When the alarm rings, open your eyes and note how you feel.
Learning to effectively meditate has powerful benefits. It will help to minimize anxiety, which will clear your mind and enable more free-flowing, creative thoughts. This may spark epiphanic moments in which you come to impactive revelations of self.
Meditate as often as your schedule allows. Perhaps, once in the morning upon rising, once during a midday break and again in the evening. Carry this learned practice with you through the remainder of your journey…