Article by Wayne Fonseca
We meditate to find something of ourselves we unknowingly had and have lost without knowing what it was or where or when we lost it. We may call it the human potential or who we truly are; ultimately, with the capacity to love and zest for life in service to humanity for the greater good. We access this place and realize that we are part of the infinite universe in all its awe, vastness and wonder. We truly can never be alienated or separated from it.
Here are some advices on how to meditate for beginners:
1) Regular practice
Without the discipline and willingness to commit to any practice endeavor, it is difficult to reap and experience the benefits of meditation. One has to dedicate the energy and attention whole heartedly, even if it is only for a few minutes a day. As Nike best puts it, “Just do it!”
2) The meditation place
Choose a place that is comfortable, conducive and pleasing to your senses. It should be quiet and clean. A place that you cannot easily be distracted or disturbed.
3) Choosing a practice
One of the easiest practices to start with is the breathing meditation exercise and followed by the gratitude exercise. In my book, Meditation: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Enlightenment, I dive into great detail on the different practices used in today’s market and what would serve you best to support your own growth. Remember, there are no one-size fits all technique for meditation. You would have to know what works for you.
4) Short sessions
In the early stages it is best to meditate for short periods of time. 10 to 20 minutes can go a long way. Once you experience the peace and bliss with each practice, you will naturally want to increase longer periods of meditation. The objective is not to force the mind into doing anything but as the mind experiences pleasure from the practice; it would cease resisting and naturally settle down into the quiet space between thoughts. This is what you call silence. And the by-product of silence is stillness.
5) Be relaxed but alert
The state of mind should be relaxed as you leave all you problems, worries and insolvent of the external world behind and immerse yourself in the silence of your inner world. In that state of awareness, you remain quiet and alert. Watching or witnessing the thoughts, emotions and feelings as they arise in your field of awareness. Some traditions call this the dance of forms.
6) No expectations
Be as innocent as a child, let go of the thinking process governed by limiting beliefs and associations of what it should be or look like or even feel like. Let go and relax.
7) The need for a teacher
Meditation is like throwing darts blindfolded. If you can’t see what you are doing, you can’t correct your aim. You need to know when you’re on target and when you’re not. You can tune you skill with a qualified teacher. Feedback or a reflection is necessary for learning any skill, including meditation. Skill learning can’t occur without feedback. That’s why many meditate with no increase in practice skill over time. Proper guidance is paramount to one’s growth. I cover in great detail on key points to seeking the qualities of a great teacher or master.
8) Be around people on the same path
This is crucial to any beginners as a means for support and familiarity. Being around people on the same path will accelerate your growth as you will gain insights and also learn a lot about how the practice has served others in their daily lives. It will also allow you to speak and share your views openly during the group meetings without the fear of being judged and/or criticized.
About the Author
Get your FREE online 10 day mini-course to get started on your meditation journey. And if you sign up now, you will receive a limited bonus Meditation Action Template, the powerful tool you can apply to all your life activities at https://secrets2meditation.com/goto/?url=http://www.enlightenmentmeditation.com.
Wayne has taught countless of people on how to integrate meditation in their busy schedule.
He will show you how to meditate effectively in just 10 minutes simply, easily and geared to fit your busy lifestyle. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!