Yes, we’ve heard a lot about meditation. And yes, its an important practice in our daily lives. I know, I know - it must be done daily to experience the benefits more.
Yet, sitting everyday for twenty minutes with eyes shut is a little tough and as I’d like to admit – a bit boring. When I shared this with a friend, she shared some suggestions. I liked them and thought that I could share them here.
1. Find a Buddy
The company (sangha) that we maintain is important in keeping us feeling positive and inspired. Find a friend, who is as passionate as you about meditation. Let there is an understood decree between you two that you can pull each other anytime if either one slips in their practice. And of course, treat yourselves if the practice has been regular. Your buddy and you could also meditate together, participate in a yoga rave, go for a really nice Ayurvedic meal together…The sangha will grow stronger and so will you.
2. Try a New Location
The best part about meditation is that it can be done anywhere – on top of a mountain, on a beach, in a train and even in the middle of a traffic jam. And the experience could be different each time. So go ahead and try a new location sometimes. It could be in a garden, change the setting in your room – continue your practice during your family holiday. Just do the meditation and take it wherever you go.
3. Get Some Guidance
Sometimes, it helps to get a new experience during meditation and here is where a guided meditation can step in. Light instrumental music is always a welcome and some pieces have been specially composed for meditation. There are several guided meditation – Blossom in your smile and the Aura meditation are my personal favorites. You might also want to include some yoga postures. There are several videos that guide you through simple sequences.
You could also join an Sri Sri Yoga class. Yoga gives balance and promotes flexibility and strength. More importantly, it’s a sure shot technique to go deeper in your meditation practice.
4. Play On
The rules of meditation are simple. For the twenty minutes that you meditate, resolve: I want nothing, I need nothing and I will do nothing. Train yourself to think of this as a challenge – can you do this for 2 days, a week, a month? The process is not to make you feel anxious. Just think about it before your practice and let it be. Move with the flow of your meditation. Challenge yourself to follow these for 30 days and watch a new dimension of practice coming up.
5. Spread The Joy
The next time you’re meeting with friends or planning to hang out with them – remember to take a guided meditation with you. Do one with your friends and see the difference. The fun that you were planning with them will only double. That’s because the mind will feel fresher and you will be able to enjoy the moment more.
If you don’t have a guided meditation handy on you all the time, its alright. Just close your eyes and observe your breaths. When you do this a few times – whether at a park, coffee shop, or even at a mall – you will realize the relaxation it bring to you and your friends. Also, you’re adding to the love and joy around.
Here are a few ways that keep the practice fun for me. What makes it fun for you? Share your ideas.
