Meditating can bring an inner calm to your spirit. Getting your mind to a deeper state of awareness or relaxation is the goal.

It can also increase blood flow through decreased heart rate and can reduce blood pressure and anxiety attacks (learn more with Panic Away). Through meditation a person can gain a higher self esteem and self confidence.

We all get so caught up in parenting, work, and responsibilities. Meditation is so powerful in helping to quiet your mind and de-stress. It will make you a more effective decision make, have a more positive, grateful attitude and will bring feedom and inner peace to your soul. Meditation teaches us to be content and like who we are. You will develop a genuine happiness that doesn’t come from external or materialistic things and can be powerful in alleviating depressive or anxious thoughts.

How to Meditate:

1. Set aside enough time to meditate daily even if it`s just 5 minutes. A good goal to aim for is 20-30 minutes each day.
2. Find a quiet environment and sit in a position that is comfortable for you. Whether sitting on a chair on the ground with or without a cushion keep your feet firmly planted on the ground and make sure your back is straight.
3. Lower your eyes and gaze to the floor or you can close your eyes, whatever feels best for you.
4. Breathe deeply and slowly.
5. Concentrate on each body part and start trying to relax each muscle. This takes time but start at your toes and work all the way to your head until you can feel yourself becoming more relaxed.
6. At first, allow your thoughts to come and go with detachment. You will get to a point where you will be able to control your thoughts, your thoughts will no longer control you.
7. Your goal is to focus on “nothing“. This will be difficult at first because our mind wants to wander a mile a minute but try to concentrate on the flow of your breath instead or the physical sensations your body is experiencing. If this is too difficult in the beginning you may want to play a meditation cd with soothing music so you can concentrate on the music. Then move on to quiet when you’re ready. Simple silence is the goal.
8. When you notice thoughts, gently let them go and refocus on your breath.
9. Rest in the moment.
10. Then gently lift up your gaze or open your eyes and return to each body part again, slowing awaking and being aware of each muscle from your toes to your head.

Even when you’re not meditating try to be mindful of your thoughts or mood. If you make meditating your ‘daily’ goal you will start to feel happier and more calm. And be patient. It’s not easy to silence the mind but with persistence you will get there. Requring focus and dedication, the benefits you will see from meditating will make it all worth it!

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