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Choose to Meditate
Choose to Meditate
Meditation is simply a way to slow down ones thoughts, hence relax. This allows for feelings of anxiety to melt away replacing it by feelings of calm and clarity. It is from this place that one hears oneself. It is from self-knowledge that understanding and love for oneself and others is born.
There is a myriad of techniques for meditation and many books have been written on the subject. I have experimented with several methods, and must note that I am not a specialist. For a long time I had tried and could not meditate: I could not allow myself not to think for minutes, let alone for hours. I decided that I was not strong enough. I smile when I remember how disappointed I felt.
The key to meditation? One can not fight the thoughts. The thoughts will come up, one after another. The brain chatters. The key is to acknowledge the thought(s) and let them go. Rest assured that there will be another thought once you let go of the previous. One of the thoughts will get you and you may be stuck for a few minutes, engaging in a conversation, other thoughts will be easier to let go immediately. Please do not get attached to the thoughts by thinking why is this coming up now when you are trying not to think.
Let the thoughts come in and out, without getting involved with them. Le the thoughts come and go just like the waves in the ocean. You can not hold on to the waves and converse with them. Once you cease to resist the rhythm of the waves they will calm down. You will be in control. The calmer the waters the deeper into it you can see. There are so many treasures in these depths!
Simple Meditation Exercise
Find a time when you could be undisturbed. Take a few minutes for yourself and try this exercise. It will get easier each time you practice.
1. Find a comfortable position, sitting or laying down.
2. Fold your hands together in your lap, with the right hand underneath the left hand.
(Note that this position is important: The right hand is joined with the left brain.. The left hand is joined with the right brain. The right brain is intuitive.)
3. Join both thumbs.
4. Start relaxing by closing your eyes and allowing your lower jaw to relax - enough to be able to breath through the mouth.
(Breath through your mouth, not nose. Breathing through the nose stimulates the brain, hence increases the amount of thoughts. While breathing through the mouth the breath goes directly to the chest, stimulating emotions and love.)
5. Sit, breathing by the mouth, noticing sounds and letting them go, noticing thoughts and letting them go, noticing smells and letting them go. All of it will slow down with practice
6. Simply sit silently, increasing the length of your meditation with practice . Every minute in a relaxed state is invaluable.
Other simple meditations include using a mantra, a word or phrase that is repeated over and over for a designed period of time. It could also be a thought contemplation, gazing at an object, placing all of ones focus and concentration on that one thought or image..
Whichever way you choose to practice this simple meditation, remember that this is a tool to relaxation, self awareness, understanding and love directed inwards. This will in turn help you do the same with those around you.
We offer morning meditation sessions in our Great Neck office on Tuesday mornings 9:30-10:30 am. All are welcome. Please call in advance to let us know you will attend. 516-504-0283.
