Meditation Do’s & Don’ts

I have to admit that years ago when I was presented with the notion of meditating I wanted to puke. Clearly I was young and dumb. I have to say that I’ve come a very long way and seriously cannot imagine not having my daily meditation practice in place.

Meditation has been around since the beginning of time and studies show that it improves both physical and mental health. So if this is the case, why don’t more people do it? Well, it’s simple. I for one didn’t know where to start. I thought I had to sit like a monk for hours at a time. I tried doing just that, sitting for an hour and focusing on nothing. Have you ever focused on nothing? You will think about everything. I found this was the easiest way for me to remember everything I had forgotten to do my entire life.

So here are some tips to meditating.

Do’s:

Start now. There are so many resources online and apps available that it would be difficult for you not to find one that you could enjoy. Here’s a guided meditation for you.
Be consistent. It takes a few tries to start feeling and seeing the benefits. Start with just 5 minutes and work your way up. If you don’t have time for 5 minutes, then do 10 minutes. This is a sign you definitely need to meditate.
Focus on your breathing. Inhale for a count of 3 and exhale for a count of 3. If your mind wanders, and it will, just go back to the breath. You can also repeat a mantra that resonates with you. Here are 2 of my favorite mantras…“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi and “Every day in every way I’m getting better and better.” – Laura Silva

Don’ts:

Don’t t judge yourself or your practice. Everyone is unique and will find their perfect flow.
Don’t obsess and try to achieve enlightenment.
Don’t worry if you get interrupted. Just pick up where you left off. I would find a sacred space, turn off your phone and let your kids, spouse, significant other, parents or roomies know that you need at least 10 minutes of no interruptions. Of course, you know your peeps better that I do and that may be exactly what they need to find a crisis that needs your immediate attention.

It may be difficult and frustrating at first, but you will get better as with anything else you do in life. Practice is the key.