Music and guided imagery will support your new meditation practice (for examples click here).
Meditation … how do I do that? Do I have to sit a special way? How do I make my mind go blank? Are you kidding me, I am far too busy and stressed out to just sit there and do nothing !!! I just don’t have time.
Have you ever said or thought these words when thinking about value of meditation. Well you are not alone. Often, the biggest obstacle to a nurturing meditative practice is the first step, just getting started. But, there are ways to make meditation a part of your life in a natural, easy, and practical way.
First, many people have a misconception that you will have to take on some kind of yogic posture that requires you to twist your legs into a pretzel and then sit in excruciating pain for hours at a time trying to empty your mind of all thought. Well, you can do that if you like but it is not the most effective way to start.
I believe that using music and guided imagery to initiate your meditation practice is the easiest way to start. If you set aside two sessions per day that are as short as five to ten minutes each, you will see positive results. Research suggests (Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Porges) that modulated tones (music) can affect the vagal nerve and stimulate the relaxation response. That is to say, bring you down from the fight- flight feeling you experience every day in your hectic life.
The guided imagery (journey) provides positive suggestions and images that will support further relaxation while engaging the powerful subconscious mind. The journey also has the capacity to set your “monkey mind” aside for a short time and give you something to attend to, while the right side of your brain is naturally activated allowing for greater creativity, increased health, and natural healing.
Many people find that short meditation sessions are the best way to begin a regular practice. Remember you are making a change to your daily routine and you know that a drastic change all at once is likely to result in less than optimal results. Remember the last time you joined a gym … perhaps a few months back … remember you were going to attend every day … how is that going?
So, start slowly with your expectations and ensure you get a “win” from your efforts. If you start with two sessions per day that are no more than five or ten minutes each you will be well on your way to a solid meditation practice.
Research shows that a regular meditation practice can enhance your immune system, promoting natural healing and resilience. It can reduce your stress levels and allow for more engaging and creative expression of who you are. It can unlock your creative nature allowing for innovative solutions, healthy choices, and natural healing.
Music and guided imagery will support your new meditation practice (for examples click here).
