Saturday 21st May 2022
What is Meditation?
Contrary to popular belief, meditation does not have to involve sitting cross legged reciting a series of mantras. Meditation can be practiced in any quiet space where you can focus your mind inwards.
A good way to start is to participate in guided meditation, where instead of being left to your own devises, you are led on a journey to help you to relax.
Benefits of meditation are scientifically proven and include:
· Reduced stress
· Better sleep patterns
· Regulated blood pressure
· Improved mood and reduced anxiety levels
Meditation can be practiced alone or as part of a group, as a stand-alone experience or as part of a series of linked sessions. One popular and easy to practice type of meditation is mindful meditation.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of paying more attention to the present moment, which includes paying more attention to your own thoughts and feelings, as well as the world around. By becoming more aware of the present moment, we can know ourselves better and become happier due to enjoying the world more. Mindfulness can help look at things afresh, and also notice harmful thoughts or behaviour patterns, so we can stop engaging with them. Hence, it can also assist in letting go. What is Mindful Meditation?
Mindful meditation is about taking a step inward, away from worries about the past or the future. More than just a way of finding inner calm, research suggests that mindfulness can have a positive effect on mental and physical health.
Why not come along to my guided classes in Poynton where I will lead you through practices to help slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body.
If you prefer to try it yourself, here are a few meditation tips:
· Find a quiet space where you will not be distracted or interrupted. This might be inside or outside in nature
· Turn off your phone and other devices
· Choose a time to suit you – perhaps first thing in the morning or just before bedtime
· Focus on your breath whilst breathing naturally, not trying to change anything
· Accept that you may find it hard to focus at first – the more practice you get, the easier it becomes
· Don’t panic if negative emotions bubble up – this is natural
· If you mind wanders, just bring your attention back to your breath and don’t worry; it’s what our minds do
Remember, you may feel different each time you practice. This is OK. It depends on your energy levels, what you have been doing, what you have eaten and where your emotions take you.
Remind yourself of the benefits and try to find time to practice meditation as often as you can.
I hope this short blog has inspired you to give it a go or re-establish your personal meditation practice.
Take care and enjoy!