The Three Things You Need: Motivation, Method and Structure
Motivation
What is your purpose for practicing meditation?
Some traditional purposes for engaging in meditation are to relax, to find refuge from the storm, to heal – emotionally or physically – to open the heart and become more loving, to grow spiritually. It is important to know the reason you want to meditate because sometimes meditation can seem difficult. When this happens and you get discouraged, just remember what drew you to meditation and what you want to gain from it.
Method
There are a variety of ways to meditate.
Choosing the right one for you can take some trial and error. This is where a teacher can be helpful. Some common meditation methods are watching your breath, focusing on an inner or outer object, chanting and mindful movement.
Things will always get in your way. Obstacles to your practice will arise naturally. Do not be alarmed by this. Learn your own unique tendencies and avoidance techniques and gently work with yourself to overcome them.
Structure
Having a structure that supports your practice is essential.
Choose a Time
Pick a time of day that you will be most likely to sit and meditate. It can be a clock time (like 8:00 a.m.) or an event-based time like after breakfast.
Pick a Place
Identify a place you can go for your practice. It can be indoors or outside; preferably a quiet and beautiful spot where you won’t be interrupted. Be sure you have a comfortable place to sit or lay down.
Begin with a Candle
Separate your meditation time from the rest of your day by lighting a candle before you begin and blowing it out when you are finished. This simple action tells your mind and body that you are ready to begin. You can also use music—play your favorite relaxation piece before you begin.
Be Consistent
Aim for a consistent daily practice. It is better to take five minutes every day than 30 minutes once a week. In the beginning we need to train ourselves to meditate but, after a while it becomes easier (and more enjoyable).
New Meditation Class Starting!
Join meditation teacher and ordained Kriya Yoga initiate and swami, Carol Emerson for a three-week introductory class that will set you up for your own personal practice. Carol has been meditating for over thirty years. She first learned Taoist meditation techniques in 1978 as part of her martial arts training; then Kriya Yoga meditation in 1998 with her guru Eric Klein (www.wisdomheart.com). She is a fourth generation lineage holder in this tradition founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.
The class will meet twice a week for three weeks from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Cactus Room at HOA2 – July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27. You will learn two simple techniques – watching the breath and mantra meditation. The cost is $120 which is considerably less than many other meditation trainings. To register call Carol at 825-9206; class size is limited.