Meditation

RELAXATION MEDITATION

One of the best tools for relaxation is meditation. It's a way to get rid of all the mind chatter going on in our heads all the time. It takes some practice, but you reap so many benefits from practicing meditation everyday.

In the beginning you may only be able to concentrate for 10 minutes or so, but the more you practice the longer you will be able to focus.

Find a time when you are not rushed. Practice meditation somewhere where there are no distractions and it is quiet. It's nice if you can meditate in the early mornings and again later in the evening before bedtime. You choose the time that is best for you.

INSTRUCTION

1. Sit in a comfortable chair or on a pillow on the floor. Sit in a comfortable position. If you are sitting in a chair you can sit with both feet on the floor or you can sit 'Buddha' style as you would if you were sitting on the floor.

2. Close your eyes and place one hand, palm side up, on one leg and place the other hand, palm side up, on the other leg. Relax your arms and hands. Keep the hands open.

3. Keeping your eyes closed, listen to your breathing. Breath through your nose and into your abdomin slowly and exhale slowly through your mouth or nose. Keep focusing on your breathing.

4. Concentrate on your breathing. Try to pay attention to how your breath feels as it's going into the nose and exhaling through the nose. Sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing.

5. Try to quiet your mind by paying attention to the breathing. If any thoughts run through your mind just let them pass through. Don't judge them or try to stop them. Just let them pass. In time you will have less and less chatter pass through.

6. Notice how your body is now really beginning to relax. Your hands feel limp, your shoulders are falling down a bit, your legs are feeling limp and your fingers may tingle a bit.

7. Continue concentrating on your breathing. When you are ready to stop continue to keep your eyes closed and take a couple of slow, deep abdominal breaths and release the breaths slowly. Open your eyes slowly and enjoy how relaxed you feel. It's delicious to feel that relaxed!! Just sit quietyly for a minute or so.

If you have any questions about meditation or any other topic I discuss, please email me with your question. I'm always just an email away.

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Practice, practice, practice. Meditation is as relaxing as you want it to be. I meditate daily and I don't know what I'd do without it. One day, you too, will say the same thing.