Aug2012_I Just Cannot Meditate
I have just come back from a weekend in Byron Bay participating in some meditation training. It was wonderful and I have been enjoying implementing it into my daily routine.
It wasn’t always like that though. For years I struggled with trying to have a regular meditation practice. I even set up my meditation cushion right next to my bed so that I couldn’t get up without falling over it and hopefully landing on it. You guessed it…I became very good at stepping over my meditation cushion. My resistance to sitting on the cushion was very confusing because when I did meditate I really enjoyed it and the resulting calmness in my mind for the day.
What I’ve noticed is that there are many different thoughts on what meditation really is. It can get quite confusing with all these different points of view.
One of the most common misunderstandings about meditation is trying to stop the thoughts, which only makes the thoughts louder and more frequent. The minds job is to think! The key is to not get caught in the thoughts. Allow them to come and go like the waves rise and fall back into the ocean.
What are you trying to achieve by meditating? I imagine you would be looking for some peace and quiet. “Peace comes from within.” Our world is so busy and noisy – where do we have the chance to just be? Are you willing to give yourself just 10 minutes every day for some peace and quiet? It will be challenging to get there and it will be worth persisting with it. Try this very simple meditation practice.
First you will need a space where you won’t be interrupted.
You will also need a cushion or chair.
The early morning is a good time to meditate because you are fresh after having some sleep.
Start with 10 minutes and stay with this amount of time until you feel you can increase it.
Wear loose fitting clothing so you are comfortable.
Ideal posture is sitting on a cushion with your legs crossed. If you are not able to do this then try sitting in a chair (one that allows a straight back). Place your hands on your thighs palms up. Keep your back straight and relax your shoulders. Check that your jaw is relaxed because quite often we hold tension here. Eyes are closed.
Focus lightly on your breathing. Bring your attention to the tip of your nostrils and notice the air flowing in and out. As you exhale count 1 and next time you exhale count 2 until you reach 7. Remember to focus on this lightly not intently, stay relaxed. Once you reach 7 then start again at 1. Continue doing this cycle for 10 minutes.
If you find you are getting distracted and losing count decrease the number in the cycle to 3 or 4 and then return to 1. As you become more comfortable with the practice increase at your own pace up to 7. Every time your mind starts to wander just come back to your breath and start again.
You can expect to be amazed at the busyness of your mind and all the thoughts you have coming through. There will probably be a huge list of things you should be doing instead of sitting practicing meditation. This is very normal and the more often you sit the easier it becomes.
On 1st September 2012, I am holding a “Retreat for a Day”. You will have the opportunity to try different meditation techniques, enjoy a simple Ayurvedic vegetarian lunch, spend some time in silence and enjoy some peace and quiet. For full details of the day please go to my website – www.rainbowatma.com.au and you will find the information on “Retreat for a Day” listed under the programs tab.
SPECIAL OFFER – For the Month of August I am offering $10 off the price to anyone booking into “Retreat for a Day” being held on 1st September and mentions this Grapevine article.
May you all be well and may you all be happy
Linda Conyard
Rainbow Atma
Ayurveda & Oncology Massage Clinic
0402 811 742
linda@rainbowatma.com.au
www.rainbowatma.com.au
