Start small – ease your way in like you would for a gym routine – 5-10mins each day and allow yourself to extend your practice over time
Create a routine – set a reminder in order to successfully establish a new habit, you need to make it part of your daily routine and make it happen. When the meditation is scheduled for the same time every day it becomes easier to sustain. Set yourself a reminder each day and commit to it. Remember you are only starting with 5-10mins so it shouldn’t be too hard to make this time.
Create space – finding a quiet place for your meditation practice is extremely important. This could be a quiet corner of your home, your bed, your car or anywhere that feels good for you where you wont be interrupted. And once you’ve settled into your practice put the phone on DND so you avoid being startled out of your practice.
Keep it simple – choose a method to keep your mind focused. Some suggestions are : listen to music, watch the breath, use a mantra, gaze at a candle. Choose one and keep returning again and again when the mind wanders off. I like to use the mantra ‘So Hum’ or follow the breath pattern.
Let go of any expectations – don”t put yourself under too much pressure. Some days you might find yourself completely unable to sit still, or unable to maintain a point of focus. You will have a million different thoughts come into your mind. Remember this is completely normal. The is just doing it’s job. No matter what happens in your meditation practice, just allow your experience to be as it is without judgement or critical thought. there is no such thing as a perfect meditation practice.
Enjoy taking this time out for you each day.
After a few weeks you wii have set the habit in place and be feeling the fruits of the practice.
Create your mediation space – this is mine..
