Several years ago I tried meditation for the first time, I didn't think it would particularly help me but I didn't think it could harm me either. But I never considered for one moment that meditation could change my life. Not only did I have more energy, but my immunity increased massively and I was able to release a lot of my fears and stress through regular practise. No wonder so many spiritual people have been banging on about it for years....it actually works.
But it's not easy so I thought it would be appropriate to look at some of the issues people have around meditation and my top tips to overcome them, leading to successful meditation.
1. I don't have the time
The great thing about meditation is that you don't have to give up hours to do it. Although 20 minutes twice a day is the goal, you will notice a difference even just spending 10 minutes a day. Some say just 3-4 minutes of deep meditation is the equivalent to 15 minutes deep sleep...how great is that!
2. I can't stop thoughts coming into my head
You're not supposed to. Your brain is designed to think, you wouldn't expect it to suddenly stop. The trick is to not attach any attention or emotion to the thought, just let it pass by. I start people off with deep relaxation exercises to help clear the mind and guide them to focus on a 'mantra' and their breathing to help with the process.
3. I don't see the point, how can meditation help my health
There are more and more studies out there pointing to the benefits of meditation in helping not only those with stress and anxiety issues, but generally improving immunity and reduction in chronic pain. But even on the most basic level if you believe stress makes you ill, you must believe that releasing that stress from the body will help make you well. I personally found my own immunity to be greatly improved as a result of meditation which I never expected to happen!
So why not give it a go... you really have nothing to lose and it might just change your life!
But it's not easy so I thought it would be appropriate to look at some of the issues people have around meditation and my top tips to overcome them, leading to successful meditation.
1. I don't have the time
The great thing about meditation is that you don't have to give up hours to do it. Although 20 minutes twice a day is the goal, you will notice a difference even just spending 10 minutes a day. Some say just 3-4 minutes of deep meditation is the equivalent to 15 minutes deep sleep...how great is that!
2. I can't stop thoughts coming into my head
You're not supposed to. Your brain is designed to think, you wouldn't expect it to suddenly stop. The trick is to not attach any attention or emotion to the thought, just let it pass by. I start people off with deep relaxation exercises to help clear the mind and guide them to focus on a 'mantra' and their breathing to help with the process.
3. I don't see the point, how can meditation help my health
There are more and more studies out there pointing to the benefits of meditation in helping not only those with stress and anxiety issues, but generally improving immunity and reduction in chronic pain. But even on the most basic level if you believe stress makes you ill, you must believe that releasing that stress from the body will help make you well. I personally found my own immunity to be greatly improved as a result of meditation which I never expected to happen!
So why not give it a go... you really have nothing to lose and it might just change your life!