Continuing last week blog on the Science and Spirituality of meditation, here is my personal practice on how I meditate. First of all, some say cleanliness is next to Godliness. Well I say, cleanliness leads to a fresh mind. The first step to set up your space is to make it clean. All you need, depending on if you sit or lie down during meditation, you will need about 1 meter by 2 meters space for sitting. And 1 meter by 4-5 meters space if you choose to lay down. So I have a yoga or gym mat spread out. Then a beautiful while cloth on the mat. A towel will do just well.
Let the things you love help your meditate
I have a table in front of my space decorated with things I love. The goal is to have a space that makes you remember nice things. I specifically painted the wall in front to a color I like and spread a beautiful cloth on the table. These are simple tricks to get you tuned in faster. I have my music close by and a couple of candles, incense and stuff that smells nice. I love the effect lemon and lavender has on me. You have to find out which smells help you tune in faster. Whala! That’s all.
Find how your flow and tune to that
So I begin with my music and light the candles. I sit for a while using a mantra of my choice. Most times, I do not use a mantra. Sometimes, I even do not play music. Sometimes I use a beaded rope (like a rosemary used by catholics) to assist me through my breathing technique. I often flow better using a breathing technique. When I focus on breathing well, I tend not to think or worry about anything.
After about 5 minutes of sitting, I lay down and just continue breathing properly. I inhale to meditate, allowing the air to move inwards, expanding my stomach and channelling the air (breathed in) into targeted regions in my body. I sometimes hold for a second or up to 5 seconds and breathe out through my nose thoroughly. You can start by breathing out through your mouth if that is easier. After a while doing this focused breathing technique. I switch my mode to a more organic breathing flow. And before you know it I am quiet, my mind is calm, my heart breaths in a great tempo.
Use your breath to come back to quietness
I barely think. If I have thoughts, I refocus on the breathing and let the thoughts flow out through my breath. I stay in the state for about 20 minutes, sometimes 50 minutes. I feel the profound experience the longer I stay. After some intense long meditation, and I open my eyes, I feel like I am reborn. I stay there lying down with eyes open for a while, Just like in an Asana Yoga position. Everything is beautiful. The day can start or move on. So that was a glimpse into how I meditate. As I try out some new practices, I will share them with you.
Let me know your thoughts on meditation. Have you ever tried to? What works for you? For example, I love to close my eyes during meditation. Share your comments and questions. Remember to subscribe to my newsletter for more practices on how to refresh your mind and improve your wellöbeing as an entrepreneur. More information will be published on my YouTube channel, so do not forget to subscribe if you are on YouTube.
I wish you a happy and peaceful meditation,
Joana
