All it takes is three minutes to make it a daily habit.
It’s amazing how people are dealing with what’s happening in the world right now. Some have discovered a fondness for baking, others have found out they’re actually pretty good at growing things, and many have returned to their creative roots of writing, painting, or doing calligraphy. While all these may work (and work marvelously at that) for a lot of people, there are also those who choose to do a bit of introspection not in between kneadings, repottings, or brush dippings, but through meditation.
The New York Times describes meditation as a “simple practice” that can “reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity, and promote happiness.” It sounds like something you would like to sustain, doesn’t it? For meditation to become a part of your daily life, try these 10 easy steps.
1. Start with baby steps
You’ve heard of people devoting a substantial 30 minutes of their day to meditation. Don’t worry, you’ll get there someday. For now, start with three minutes, which is more realistic. As you go on, simply increase the length of time.
2. Choose a specific time
Mornings are great for meditation because it arms you with the right perspective to start the day with. But closing the day with meditation also works; it helps you wind down and reflect on the day that was. Do your best to stick to your chosen time. With Lemon in your diffuser to start your morning, you won’t be tempted to hit the snooze button.
3. Appoint a meditation spot
Of course you can meditate anywhere! But since you are still in the process of building a routine, it’s best to have a designated spot for meditation. Ensure your meditation spot is clean! Remove unwanted odors by diffusing four drops of Purification.
4. Make yourself comfortable
Get a cushion if it makes you more comfortable. Just be sure not to be too comfy though, or else you might drift off to sleep!
5. Focus on your breathing
Pay attention to inhaling and exhaling. Try Raven or R.C. to support normal, clear breathing.
6. Check your focus
Are you still in the moment or has your mind wandered off to the past or to worries about the future? Go back to focusing on your breaths and stay in the present. Clarity contains stimulating oils such as peppermint and rosemary that promote a clear mind and alertness.
7. Practice, practice
It’s true what they say—practice makes perfect!
8. Find a meditation buddy
Having someone check on you and remind you and vice versa will help you stick to your meditation habit.
9. Look forward to meditation
There may be days when the prospect of sitting quietly in your little nook and meditating will feel like a chore. Remind yourself your reasons for meditation, and learn to look forward to it.
10. Be persistent
Building a routine requires patience and practice, but if you slip from time to time, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Instead, make it a point to get back right where you left off.
Making meditation a part of your daily life will be a lifelong journey. You will inevitably encounter challenges such as time constraints and distractions. But once you’ve gotten into the habit of meditating every day, you can be more flexible in fitting it into pockets of time. You will learn to accept distractions, instead of fighting or denying them. Eventually, you’ll even find yourself slipping into meditation without effort at all. But for now, take heart and take that big little step toward calmness, clarity, and happiness. Good luck, and remember to be kind to yourself!
Got any meditation tips? Please share them!
Thanks for dropping by!
Rachel
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