Come Sit with Me.......
Starting your meditation practice will take a little commitment and a strong desire to be on the mat. Once you get to this point, though, I think there are a few tips that will help any beginner feel confident when starting their meditation practice.
This is Your Space
Create your sanctuary. You might like to have a journal and pen available for any thoughts that come after you meditate and ensure you have any sounds or smells you would like to incorporate. Plants and other trinkets can go here, too. This is going to be your space of loving-kindness.
Set an Intention
Even if you use an app or saved meditation on your phone, create a gentle intention for your meditation. You might set this intention weekly or monthly or write it in your journal. Setting an intention for practice is a lovely way to remind yourself of your reason for being here.
Prepare Before You Get There
Have your space ready before you meditate. Decide where you will sit or lie down. It is ideal to meditate in the same area every time, as your mind and body will start to associate your meditation practice with that place. Setting a specific time of day to practice also creates an association.
Choose a Style
There are many types of meditation, and thankfully, wonderfully, we have so many ways to access them through apps and online. You will find the ones that resonate with you and ones that don't. Be mindful not to rush into 'finding another' type of meditation. The one you don't like at first can have some extraordinary lessons for us in the end.
Be Kind To Yourself
Meditation is not a competition—with yourself or others. You are here to rest and maybe, just maybe, discover an insight, reflection, or fragment of quiet that you had never thought possible. Enjoy it. And if you can't do it today, remember that you sat for a moment, your body rested for a moment, and you took a deep breath. These are beautiful things.
Breathe
You can not completely turn off the thoughts. Your mind and brain NEED to function - that's part of being human. However, you can slow it down. Whenever your mind wanders, return to the breath. Inhaling and exhaling slowly. It will keep you grounded. Use this powerful tool to anchor your practice.
I've created a printable version of this post for you to have with you when you start. Enjoy!
Finding presence with you, Shona 🙏