Tips for Meditation Practice

There are many types of meditation, but these tips will help you begin practicing some of the exercises I have included here.

• For a truly relaxing meditation it is helpful to have a comfortable chair (or floor mat), soft lighting, soft music perhaps, minimum noise, and no interruptions.
• BUT, they are not necessary.  With some practice it is entirely possible to practice Mindfulness Meditation in a noisy place, or even the bus stop.
• Falling asleep IS OK if sleep is what you need.
• Begin and end each meditation with the "grounding" exercise provided.  This is helpful for centring and balance.  In energy terms it is not safe to remain "floaty" all day.
• Drink plenty of water before and especially afterwards.
• Meditation can sometimes bring up emotions, so keep this in mind when interacting with others for the rest of the day.  If you are feeling emotional, either positive or negative, it may be helpful to find someone to talk to.
• Meditation can take practice.  Start with short exercises and build up gradually.
• It can be helpful to have someone read the directions to you.  Or record yourself!
• It goes without saying that alcohol, illicit drugs and meditation do not mix.  A gentle diet is also helpful, but not necessary.  Do keep up with the water as above, though.
• There are no hard and fast rules for how long or how often you should meditate.  Use quick meditations when you feel like it.  Meditate for ten minutes a day or per week or per month.  Any meditation is helpful and more is great.  But don't get hung up on amounts.  (I do not believe in "should!")
• During meditation, resting your hands down on your thighs can be calming.  And turning them upwards on your lap can be energizing.