My Meditation Practice

I've never been able to effectively incorporate meditation into my day. There is always something "better" to do when my eyes pop open in the morning.

Of course I realize there is nothing better for you that taking a few moments to center yourself before you start the day. I just haven't been disciplined enough to do it consistently.

I'm what you might call a "crisis meditator". Sometimes meditating only as a last resort and only when something was going "wrong" in life.

So when I saw that the Chopra Center was having a 21 day Meditation challenge I jumped at the chance. Today marked the beginning of the challenge.

You sign up for the challenge and each day the Chopra Center sends you the meditation for the day. They start small and gradually become longer and longer until you are sitting for at least 30 minutes in meditation.

21 days creates a new habit. And regular meditation is one I would definitely like to create.

I find that in the past my mind wandered alot when I meditated.

Even when I am engaged in a guided meditation on a cd, my ego quickly jumps in and tells me about all of the things I need to be doing and sitting in a comfortable position accessing my higher self is not one of them!

I do have to say that the few times I have meditated "successfully" in the morning before starting my day, I did find that I was more focused and better prepared for what lie ahead of me. I was more calm and dealt with what life was sending my way with more purpose.

This is what I am looking forward to and really excited about. Becoming more comfortable with a meditation practice that works for me.

I believe there are some things you need to remember when you are beginning a meditation practice. First, it's about mindfulness and breathing, not about how long you can hold a contorted position. Trying too hard to meditate in a way that isn't comfortable will only make you NOT participate.

Second, you wouldn't go to your local gym and try running an hour on the treadmill your first day there. You start small. Try meditating for 10 minutes for the first couple of days and gradually work your way up by a minute each time. Before you know it, you'll be meditating for 1/2 hour at a time without any difficulties.

Third, know that there are all sorts of ways in which you can meditate. Guided, seated meditation is just one. Try gardening, walking, drawing, painting and laughing. No, they aren't the "traditional" meditations but they do bring you to a centered state of being. And I don't know about you but when I am laughing mymind is blank and I am breathing! Just like meditation.