New Ways to Introduce Meditation Into Your Life

By Stacey Ramirez
Web Content Contributor

Meditation has become increasingly popular. Studies have shown that there are many benefits that can come from meditating like lowering stress, lowering anxiety, increasing attention span and many more.

A lot of people have tried mediations but end up giving up because they can’t focus. But like any skill mediating involves practice. One great piece of advice I’ve learned is when you catch yourself drifting of it actually a good sign because your aware it’s happening, and you can bring your mind back to your present state.

You can find about a million videos on YouTube or one of many apps for your phone. These are guided mediation that tell you what to focus on and are a good way to start. But if you are looking for something different, there are many forms of mediation. Sometimes it about finding the one that works for you.

Candle Meditations

The only thing you will need is a candle. This one is probably my favorite because it’s one of the easiest for me. There’s just something so mesmerizing about watching fire burn in a candle. This type of meditation involves you focusing on the fire and watching it move. So, your eyes are open the whole time but not moving to anything else. Also, make sure you candle is close to eye level, so your head isn’t lowered all the way down.

Mantra

If you have a goal for the day or a phrase this can be used as your mantra. A mantra is like a message or a prayer for yourself. Repeat the mantra throughout the whole meditation. If you tell yourself something enough times you begin to believe it and it sets the intentions for the day.

This is why you have probably herd people go “ohm” while they meditate, this means, “will be or to become” in Hindu. But your mantra can be as simple as “I am enough” or “I’m exactly where I need to be”. Pick something that brings meaning to you.

Visualizing

Imagine all the happy thoughts you have, just make sure the images in your mind bring a strong emotion to you. There are many guided mediations that will help you visualize a place like a peaceful garden or your childhood home. Another option is to visualize a person that brings you joy and use this positive emotion.

Breathing

This is the best form of meditation for beginners. Focusing on your breathing involves a lot more concentration then you think. Your breath in through your noise and breath out through your mouth. You count how long each breath is and you pay attention to how it feels.  Even though breathing is something you do all the time without thinking this form of meditation makes you realize you don’t do enough deep breathing.

Featured image by Stacey Ramirez.