Meditation is a deeply personal
experience and it would be very difficult to say that there is a right way or
wrong way for anyone. What works for you is the essential principle here. Every person goes through periods of
time when it's incredibly challenging to maintain a meditation program. Acknowledge it when
it happens, recognize that it's just a brief period of time, and restart your
program as soon as possible. People are unlikely to remain committed
to any program of self-improvement unless there are some real benefits to
continuing their practice or exercise. As in any self improvement programs
there will be times when you need some extra motivation to continue, despite
earlier positive results in physical and mental health and well being.
Sometimes during meditation our progress may not be at the pace we would like
to see.You may have become discouraged by what
you perceive to be a lack of progress or have grown tired of the daily practice.
It is at times like this that we can
reflect on the lasting benefits to us of our continued practice of meditation, and this will
often inspire, motivate and renew our enthusiasm to meet this challenge to our personal
growth and continue with our practice, to grow and experience and enjoy our unique lives more
fully.
How to know I am right?
Here
are a few guidelines just to reassure you that you are on the right track.
- Posture is not really critically important except for one simple rule. Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed with the back or neck supported if necessary.
- Allow the breath to flow at it’s own pace. It will naturally find it’s own rhythm as you meditate, becoming deeper and slower.
- Intruding and distracting thoughts are normal. Place no importance upon them.
- Fidgeting, scratching, yawning are all natural functions in the process of meditation.
- Falling asleep or nodding off is normal.
- Looking at the time occasionally is normal at the beginning.
- Try to meditate regularly at the same time in the same space.
- Eliminate distracting noises where possible. TV off, mobile phone switched off, do not disturb sign up.
- Do not meditate immediately after a meal. Allow an hour to pass before you start your practice.
- Wear light loose clothing that does not pinch or restrict the blood flow.
- Trust and respect your practice of meditation
That’s it, pure and simple.
The Lasting Benefits
Here are just a few of the lasting benefits that are achieved
through the continuous and ongoing practice of meditation:
- The release from stress, tension and anxiety, which affects both our mental and physical performance, and our ability to function fully in life.
- An increase in self-awareness both physically and mentally.
- An increase in self worth and self-satisfaction.
- Increased sense of peace, acceptance and contentment with oneself.
- Greater concentration, clarity and focus.
- Better health. More energy and an increased sense of well-being.
- A refreshed and positive outlook. Life becomes more exhilarating.
- A heightened awareness of pleasure.
- An increase in creativity in thought, actions, expression and art.
- The discovery of one’s true nature.
- The release of yet untapped potential from within.
- Greater patience, tolerance and acceptance of others.
If you have created a list of lasting
benefits for yourself you can refer to our your own list of goals and benefits
or use the above list to motivate and inspire you. Remember every great
athlete, performer or expert in their field, also has days when a little more
inspiration and motivation are necessary to continue in their chosen
field.Meditation is about personal growth and this can only happen at your own
pace as you allow it too. Meditation should also be about
pleasure and relaxation. Do not be over zealous about your training. Keep it fun and pleasurable so it may benefit you
in so many wonderful ways for all of your life.Happy Meditating and Good
Health.
Stay Motivated
- Determine an attainable goal such as practising three times a week and once on weekends if daily practice is not possible. Create realistic goals that will set you up for success. If your goal becomes too easy, you can always design a new one.
- Create rewards for achieving your goal. The reward can be a massage, a new meditation/yoga outfit, a new CD/DVD, a subscription to a yoga/meditation magazine. Whatever you really want.
- Partner with a friend, co-worker or loved one - someone who will support you and your goals without sabotaging them.
- Subscribe to a meditation/yoga magazine or on-line meditation/yoga newsletter. New tips and exercises can be inspirational and alleviate boredom.
- Exercise in the morning. Research shows that people who make exercise a priority first thing in their day are more likely to stick with it.
- Add variety. Vary your meditation program to prevent boredom.
- Join a group. Group dynamics can help to keep you motivated and you can share experiences and encourage each other with helpful tips and support.
- Keep a journal. That way you can record your experiences and reflect on your progress.
- Reward yourself. Work on developing an internal reward that comes from feelings of accomplishment, self-esteem and control of your own behaviour. After each exercise session, take a few minutes to sit down and relax. Savour the good feelings that meditation gives you, and reflect on what you've just accomplished. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise.
- Read inspirational and motivational books. There are literally hundreds of titles available in your local library and good bookstores.
कोई टिप्पणी नहीं:
एक टिप्पणी भेजें