Peace & Quiet

I had a frustrating day yesterday and was trying to avoid a glass of wine and turn to a more productive method of self care. I had not meditated in a few weeks at least and it was almost as if I had forgotten the amazing benefits of meditation. I sat down with my Buddha lamp, vision board and candles and put on my favorite meditation track and was pleased to find instant stress reduction. I'm not saying that it was easy, especially after my long hiatus, but meditating is truly the only way for me to feel 100% and I'm still feeling the effects 24 hours later. Drug/alcohol free my friends.

A lot of people have asked me how I meditate. I have taken meditation classes before but, have always felt like I knew what to do. I do have a special place where I sit. I've created a vision board and find it powerful to meditate right in front of this board. I also have a little altar with photos that are special to me, books I love as well as other meaningful trinkets. I always use my Kelly Howell mediation cd and have done so for the almost 10 years that I have meditated.

After sitting down I try to take very deep breaths. I was taught in my meditation class that it is important to only breath through your nose. My mother always taught me "in through the nose out through the mouth" when I was upset as a kid so I sort of jump back and forth between the two. Your mind will immediately begin to quiet down when the track begins playing. Then I try to look at the backs of my eyelids. Sounds weird but, when you try it things sort of start to open up. I follow the shapes, movement & color that I see with my eyes closed. Thoughts will come into your mind but, try to let them come and go. It can take a long time to have a really powerful meditative experience. I have had great experiences meditating for over an hour without much thought at all.

It's a meaningful part of my life and how I feel connected to God, other people & the planet. I find my whole life to be easier, happier & more meaningful when meditation is part of it. To summarize:

Lauren's Meditation Tips:

1. Create peaceful sanctuary; even if it's a corner of your bedroom.

2. Put on comfortable clothes & light candles

3. Use sound track to get started; can find these on itunes, in Target etc. Kelly Howell is my favorite.

4. Try to focus on your breathing and don't get frustrated if thoughts come into your head. You could end up sitting and thinking the first few times you meditate.

5. Create consistency but, not time requirements. I try to meditate as often as possible even if it is only for 2 minutes. I think that when you start requiring that you meditate for at least 30 minutes or so you are less likely to stick with it.

6. Enjoy this quiet time and keep a journal that records how meditation has affected other parts of your life.

Let me know how it goes!!