Lessening the effects of stress in our everyday lives is a goal worth achieving. Meditation is one method of reaching that goal, as well as changes in habits and even diet for overall well-being. Even though sporadic meditation does have benefits in reducing stress, making it a daily practice gets our minds and bodies in the habit of releasing stress, allowing for a more energetic and happier lifestyle. Remember that it is not how long you meditate that makes the difference, but that you practice it on a daily basis. Even ten minutes a day is calming to the mind and body.
The place of meditation is not as important as eliminating distractions to this special time. In order to make meditation a daily practice, choose a location and time when distractions are non-existent or very minimal, such as a relaxing corner of room during family quiet time, when others are asleep, or when you can be completely alone. Unplug the telephone, turn off the television, and shut off the cell phone. This way, you have no sudden noises to disrupt the relaxation created during meditation. Some people like to create an “alter” displaying figures or images of people and things that have meaning as a lifetime inspiration or are significant in their religious beliefs, or lighting scented candles or incense providing a favorite fragrance to assist in relaxation. Dimly lit rooms may also add to ambience of relaxation. Using these tools in preparing for meditation helps to trigger your mind into a relaxation mode, giving more benefit to your meditation.
Once the meditation environment is set, a mixture of methods may be used, achieving the most benefits possible. Due to physical restrictions, some people prefer to lay on a couch or bed for comfort during meditation, while others will use a chair that supports the back with the feet flat on the floor. More flexible practitioners will use cushions or pillows on the floor, sitting in a cross-legged position prompting a straight posture. The position used in meditation should be comfortable, without causing distraction due to discomfort or concentrating on postural aspects. Once a comfortable position is found, different methods of meditation may be mixed together to achieve the relaxation and stress relief sought. For example, simple methods such as deep breathing exercises and progressive relaxation, or using a basic form of self-hypnosis in getting muscles to relax by repetition in the mind telling different muscle groups to relax may be all that is needed. If you are physically able, you may practice yoga or Tai Chi moves to enhance flexibility while providing relaxation.
No matter what your physical ability is, it is the relaxation of the mind that helps to create well-being. Meditation, if practiced daily, keeps that well-being in reach
