Article by Holly Lane

Meditation is not just for those “new age” people who wear tie-dye and attend 5am yoga classes. No, these days, even type-A corporate types are acknowledging the therapeutic powers of meditation. In today’s fast-paced world, we need every tool we can to combat stress and its negative effects. For that reason, we all owe it to ourselves to at least consider meditation as a viable option. If you are not sure about what meditation can do for you, then it’s a great idea for you to try it out yourself, from the comfort of your own home. Here are some great meditation techniques for stress relief:

Finding a quiet place. Any good meditation must start with the right environment. The place you choose to meditate should be quiet, comfortable, and free of distractions. You don’t need any special furniture, or equipment. You just need to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world for a little while.

Simple breathing meditation. This technique is perfect for beginners, as it is a great way to learn how to get into the meditative mindset. Either sit Indian-style or lay down – whichever you prefer – and practice deep breathing. Close your eyes first, and then inhale as you concentrate on pulling air into the very base of your lungs. It helps if you visualize the air entering your body and filling your lungs from the bottom up. Consciously moving your diaphragm down as you breathe also helps you get the feel for this guttural type of breathing. Once you’ve taken in a slow breath and are sure you’ve filled your lungs to capacity, hold for just a couple of seconds (or as long as you are comfortable holding without straining), and then breathe out very slowly, being sure to dispel as much air as possible. Pulling your diaphragm up into your body helps clear your lungs fully. Concentrate only on your breathing and you will notice a change in the way your body feels. This is your foot in the door to the world of meditation.

Seeing the body. After you have mastered the deep breathing technique, you can work on learning to “see” the inside of your body with your eyes closed. Choose a color, and then – beginning at your toes and working your way up – imagine lighting up each portion of your body, one at a time, with that color. Different people report different things, but this practice should result in some sort of feeling in the part of the body you are envisioning – usually a warmth, tingling, or just a general awareness of that body part.

Following the mind’s path. After deep breathing and acknowledging each part of your body, you should begin to feel as though you are sinking into your environment, or “floating” in some way. That means you have set the stage for either guided or free meditation. If you do not have a guided meditation to follow, then you may opt to just follow wherever your mind takes you. Just observe, acknowledge, and then release any thoughts that cross your mind. Do not judge. The point is to open yourself up to your subconscious so you can receive its communications.

By following these meditation techniques, you can greatly reduce your stress and improve your overall health and well being. And this is just the beginning. There is much more to meditation than you can even imagine, so hold on tight. You are in for a wonderful adventure.

About the Author

Holly Lane is a single mother of two boys, a freelance writer, and an avid learner. It is her goal to help others accomplish their dreams by sharing her experience. She has just released her first eBook, “How to Go to College as a Single Parent,” and is now offering it free if you visit her site.

For a multitude of other helpful articles and resources related to the complex and rewarding job of single parenting and having it all,as well as a FREE download of “How to Go to College as a Single Parent,” visit www.HowtoGotoCollegeasaSingleParent.com.

If you are new to the world of meditation, then click here for a great beginner’s course that will guide you through the process and lead you straight to the many benefits of meditation.

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