I’m a firm believer in positive thinking and goal planning.  You won’t ever obtain any of your goals if you don’t learn to plan for them.  Some people are afraid to do this because they’re terrified that they will fail.  Don’t be afraid to fail.  Think of failure as a stepping stone for learning something new!

People who meditate tend to live longer and healthier lives.  Anyone can meditate.  Once you become accustomed to it and used to it, it feels very natural.  You must have a quiet place where you can be alone and stay uninterrupted.

Couple Meditating Together on Beach

Sometimes dimming the lights and soft music can set the mood or tone for a meditation.  It also helps to have something around to focus on, whether it be a goal poster or pictures and photos of things that symbolize things you’re trying to obtain in life.

Find a comfortable place and sit down.  As I mentioned above, dim the lights if need be and put on music that you find soothing and relaxing.  Close your eyes or focus your vision on something in particular.  Some people like to hold a polished stone that they feel has good vibes and energy.

Meditation can have many different uses.  Children tend to do it naturally.  Meditation is when you become completely absorbed in your thoughts and concentration.  It relaxes our muscles, quiets our mind and helps revive our spirit.

Scientific research proves that regular meditation has the following benefits:

• slows down the aging process
• alleviates pain
• allows us to get by on less sleep than usual
• lowers our serum cholesterol levels
• reduces bacteria levels in our saliva, thereby producing fewer cavities
• increases blood flow to the brain, which makes us feel sharper and smarter
• improves our memory
• there are numerous benefits; too many to mention

Different people who meditate on a daily basis claim different benefits.  What can’t be ignored is the fact that there are benefits for everyone.  Learning to meditate can be a fun and exciting new part of your life.

Posture is very important when it comes to meditation.  It’s important to keep your spine straight, so that your nerves are positioned in the correct way to keep you alert.

Once you are sitting in the correct way and your body is relaxed, make sure your breathing is slow and even.  Control your breathing and make sure it stays even.

Keep an open mind and a relaxed attitude.  You should feel confident before you begin to meditate.  Keep your attention focused and your mind calm.  Your meditation should be objective.  Visualization can be helpful.

Make sure you quiet your mind.  Don’t be upset or angry with yourself if you are having a hard time focusing.  This is common, particularly when someone is just learning how to meditate properly.  Meditation does take practice.  Most people find it helpful to recite a prayer before beginning meditation.

Meditation should be done each morning before eating for approximately ten minutes.  Eventually, increase your meditation time up to 20 minutes.  Meditation tends to rejuvenate the body, so avoid doing it in the evening.  Sit in a comfortable chair or in a comfortable position on the floor.  Loosen or remove your clothing so that you don’t feel constricted.  Stretch and roll your shoulders and body to relax everything.

Inhale deeply for a count of four.  Exhale slowly for a count of six.  Repeat this five times.  Begin breathing normally.  Close your eyes and focus your eyes upward towards your third eye, which is in the center of your forehead.  Allow your chin to rest on your chest with your head relaxed in a downward position.

Your hands should easily rest in your lap.  Your spine should be upright and your feet should be flat on the ground and should feel grounded.  “Aum” is a mantra word often used during meditation.  Repeat “aum” slowly in your mind, without moving your mouth or lips.  Push your other thoughts aside.

By doing such a meditation on a daily basis, you will feel much more at peace with yourself.  This is a very powerful meditation.  Some people like to have a room especially dedicated to meditation.  Though this is not necessary, it can be very helpful.  This is up to you.  You decide which space you will use, but stay consistent.