How to Meditate (Even if You Think it’s a Load of Bull)

By July 17, 2018For Talent

Meditation. The word itself sounds so serious and dull. Like dedication, concentration, frustration. No wonder so many of us think, ”I can’t do it.”

Here are just some tips to help make it easier.

Change your perspective

Let’s see if it helps to call it something else, pausing. Can you take a short pause in your day to simply sit and rest your thoughts? Maybe three minutes, or even just three breaths?

Find what works for you

All you need to do now is figure out what it is you like to think about for those short periods that help you to focus, relax and quieten the mind.

Typically, we think about the breath. People often say to me. “I can’t do it. I can’t just sit there and think of nothing. It doesn’t work for me.” I get it, me too. We need to find something pleasant to occupy our minds with, something akin to the daydream we might drift off to after a long lunch on a sunny afternoon.

Focus on your breath

As you continue to read see if you can notice the sensation of the breath coming in through the nostrils. You might feel the slightly cool air, like a breeze coming in the nose. It’s slightly warmer on the way out. You have directed your thoughts to something quiet and pleasant that you have chosen. You can pause. You can meditate. Try three breaths. Eyes open or closed, your choice. See, can you simply pause everything for just three moments.

Reap the benefits

After just three breaths your body and your mind have relaxed. Your blood pressure has lowered and your heart rate has slowed down. The systems in your inner body have shifted from ”busy-doing” to relaxing. You have given your mind a little rest, a momentary pause to refresh, like a shower in the middle of a hot day.

After just a few moments you will be at your most engaged, relaxed and focused. You have sharpened your intuition, boosted your confidence and you are likelier to make better decisions.

Read more about meditation here.

Sylvia Ferguson is a DCU and a Yoga Therapy Ireland graduate. Sylvia teaches yoga and corporate meditation in Dublin; RTE and Facebook are among her weekly clients. She also provides online tuition with yoga and meditation classes to follow at home.

Whether she’s leading teacher training with Yoga Hub or hosting retreats worldwide with Exotic Yoga Retreats, Sylvia’s style of teaching encourages strength and resilience with a deep sense of lasting calm.

 

Author Sylvia Ferguson

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