Transcript
Mindfulness meditation is simple, but it’s not easy. Most of us have spent a lifetime chasing distraction, avoiding the truth of the present moment, or simply not noticing what’s going on. Cultivating the opposite takes great patience and repeated practice.
Over time, with as little as 5 minutes of practice each day, we strengthen the neural pathways that make meditation easier. As we realize the benefits we become motivated to meditate more often and to sit longer each time.
Mindfulness of the breath is where most people start. To begin a meditation practice, try the following meditation steps:
1. Find a Quiet Place
To help minimize distractions, meditate in a relatively quiet place. Choose a location where you feel safe turning your awareness from the outside toward what’s going on within.
2. Take a Seat
We can meditate while standing, walking, sitting or lying down. Try starting with a seated practice. Your seat should be comfortable, yet upright, balancing comfort with alertness.
3. Set an Intention
During mindfulness of breath, your intention is breath observation. Setting an intention at the start of the practice allows you to observe when you’re meditating, and when you’re not.
4. Place Your Mind on Your Intention
If the intention is breath awareness, place your mind on your breath. Observe with eyes open or closed, while breathing naturally and normally. From moment to moment, without judgment or criticism, notice your breath with a spacious and kind curiosity.
5. When Your Mind Wanders…
At some point, you’ll notice that your mind has wandered and you’re no longer present with your intention. When this happens, rejoice! Let yourself relax and return to your intention. Repeat this step as often as you need to. With practice, you’ll notice sooner when the mind has wandered, and you’ll find it easier to return to your intention.
6. Close with a Dedication
When you’re ready to close your practice, take a moment to recognize the benefits you’ve received. Acknowledging these benefits and the success of your practice can help enhance the results. You may wish to dedicate the benefit of your practice toward a personal goal, to someone else, or to all beings everywhere.
Or if you need an easy audio guide, listen to our 10-minute guided meditation.