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What exactly is meditation?
Meditation has been used for thousands of years, with it's roots in Eastern culture. It's an amazing way to connect your mind, body, and spirit for a more happy and fulfilling life. It's about connecting with you inner self, getting in touch with your deepest desires, and focusing on your overall mental health. See below how you can maximize this experience.
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1) Find a quiet place
Finding a calm and quiet place to yourself is crucial for the best experience. When you start to master the art of meditation, you will learn to do it anywhere you please, but for the sake of beginners and maximizing the experience, you want to get time to yourself.
This can be done in a bedroom, the living room, outside. Wherever you feel the most relaxed. As long as there isn't too much distraction you should have a good experience.
2) Correct posture
When you're sitting, pay attention to your posture. Do your best not to slouch. Head and chin are up so that you can take nice long deep breaths. Cross your legs in a standard sitting position whereas your feet are under your knees, and you're sitting on your buttocks. Don't stress too much about exactly how you're sitting though. You may have seen some advanced people with their feet cross folded back up and resting on their thigh. That is advanced and you can do it later if you please. This is about being relaxed, and that's not required for a successful meditation experience.
3) Headphones
You may not find this suggestion in most meditation articles. However, this experience is about being completely devoid of distraction. I find that when I have headphones in and listen to soft flowing music, I can be completely focused on myself. I don't hear traffic or kids or other distractions around the house.
You want this to be a trans formative experience. You cannot properly do that without shutting out everything else.
4) Music
Music helps to transport you to another level of relaxation. It helps to focus the whole process. If your mind is busy, music will give you something to focus on that's not too distracting. Important note: The type of music you listen to is extremely important. I suggest instrumental music ONLY. A singer and words gives you too much to focus on. Light and soft relaxation music is the best. Too much melody can be distracting.
If you use Spotify, find a relaxing yoga or meditation listening station. I personally prefer "Karmacosmic". They're an artist. If you don't have Spotify or Pandora you can always pull up a good listening station on Youtube. Just search meditation music.
5) Breathe deeply
It's all about breathing. Breathing is obviously an automatic function that your brain and body take care for you most of the day. However, you'd be surprised to know how much focused breathing can have an affect on your life. During meditation it's extremely crucial to take longer deeper breathes.
When you bring in more deep breathes and further oxygenate the blood stream you stimulate the lymphatic system. It reduces stress and anxiety. It increases your energy, lowers your blood pressure, and even helps with correct posture.
6) Affirmations
Affirmations are a form of brain hacking. You can actually redevelop your brain. The conscious mind is always working and present, but so is your subconscious mind. You may consciously say you want something, but you may have counter doubts within your subconscious mind that counteract it. So, it's extremely important during affirmations to feel what you want while you say them. Whatever you say it is you must try to feel a strong overwhelming feeling of wanting or saying things.
Start with simple things such as: I am smart and capable. I am loved and I love easily. I am beautiful. I love myself. I attract money easily into my life. There can be several goals with affirmations.
Goals include: More self confidence and self love. Finding a romantic partner. Feeling more gratitude in your life. Bringing in more money to your universe. Getting rid of negative thoughts and emotions. This is self therapy, so don't be afraid to go anywhere you want. This is your experience!
7) Om
Om is a traditional mantra used within many eastern religions. It's even considered sacred. It has been used during meditation for thousands of years by Buddhist monks. It's also a sacred symbol that is found in many traditional texts.
Many believe that Om is that natural sound of the universe, and when you chant it, the frequency vibration relaxes you on a deeper level. Because we are all made up of energy, Om targets a specific tonal range within your vocal cords, and allows you to calm your cardiovascular system even further. Regularly chanting Om will transport you to a calm and peaceful place.
About the Author
Matt Jones is a writer and entrepreneur with multiple businesses who loves inspiring others to reach their full potential. He is also a musician, educator, and world traveler whom has been to over 65 different countries on all 7 continents. His personal mission is to create and inspire. He is from Los Angeles, but is now based in greater London where he lives with his wife and son.