Meditation is a way to train the mind.
Meditation brings us back to the present moment, and gives us the
tools we need to be less stressed, calmer and kinder to ourselves and
others.
"When we sit to meditate, we are looking after ourselves
in ways that might not at first seem obvious. The benefits of meditation
are numerous and varied, and supported by science. Many people start
meditating to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and to cultivate peace of
mind. But there are thousands of studies documenting other less-known
mindfulness meditation benefits, which can have a positive impact on
mental, physical, and emotional health."
If you want to learn more about meditation,
click here.
Meditation gets easier to do if itβs part of your routine. Choose a time to do it each day and try to stick with it.
You can decide to be sited upright on chair or on the floor or even layed down. Any position is valid as long as you are comfortable.
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat this a few times.
Starting from the top of the head and moving down, mentally scan your body, noticing any tension in your muscles, places of comfort or discomfort, the feel of the floor beneath your feet. Begin to pay attention to the natural rhythm of your breath.
It's totally fine if your mind starts to wander. When you notice that a thought has distracted you, let go of it and gently return your attention to your breath. Over time, you'll learn to step back and just observe the thoughts. The same goes for sounds: Rather than trying to block them out, let them come and go.
Listen to the sounds around you. Feel all your body. Feel the smells. Enjoy where you are right now. Enjoy the time you are taking to just relax. At this point, just forget all the worries. Be present. Be calm. Be happy.