Why is it so hard for us to meditate?

Meditation is good for you. You can argue all you want that it does not work for you or that you don’t like it, but the facts are in – Meditation is an extremely helpful tool to help manage stress and gain personal and spiritual insights. And in case that is not enough, here are a few more benefits based on several other studies and surveys:

• · Improved attention and focus
• · Reduces anxiety attacks (lowers the levels of blood lactate)
• · Helps to build self confidence
• · Increases serotonin which influences moods and behavior. (Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, headaches and insomnia)
• · Enhances energy, strength and vigor
• · Helps keep blood pressure normal
• · Reduces stress, tension & fatigue
• · Induces a state of deep relaxation and general feeling of wellbeing
• · Helps with Pre Menstrual Symptoms
• · Improved concentration, memory, and strengthens the mind
• · Helpful in reducing heart disease
• · Improved overall state of mind
• · Improved sleep
• · Enhanced peaceful countenance
• · Increased control of anger, irritation, annoyance, negative thinking
• · Improved view of yourself
• · Enhanced brain function, imagination and intuitiveness
• · Increased connection to spirituality

Now why don’t we do this? Hmmmm…There is a small little problem we have that prevents us from dedicating ourselves to meditation and enjoying the benefits of this ancient practice – and that is called Attention. The prevalent and chronic issue most of us have with a tiny attention span is what the Buddhist’s call a “Monkey Mind” - the unsettled and restless mind. Ironically, this is exactly one of the greatest benefits of meditation is the calming and clearing effects meditation has on the mind.

The best way to get excited about meditating is to find some way, anyway, to begin and commit to a practice that works for you. There are many creative ways to begin a good meditation practice, in which I will share a few, but the most important element in meditation is a focus on your breathing. This is how you will re-direct your attention back to your meditation and open up the mind to clarity and intuition.

Here is a simple way to begin:

• · Find a quiet time and place to begin your meditation
• · Either sit in a chair, nice and upright, or sit with crossed legs on the floor. Sitting up very straight allows the free flow of breathing, deep into your diaphragm. This is important.
• · For beginners, it is best to close your eyes and begin by taking some deep cleansing breaths.
• · Feel your body and your mind begin to relax into your pattern of breathing
• · When you begin to feel your mind wandering, just allow those thoughts to pass through and return your attention to your breathing for three of four breathing cycles.
• · For beginners, it is best to meditate for a pre-determined time to build some discipline for your practice. Later on, you can allow your own meditation style to dictate the most effective meditation time.
• · Be diligent in your practice. You will not regret it.

There are many methods and styles of meditation, but any practitioner of meditation would tell you that the most important thing is to begin. The more you meditate, the more you can experiment with other methods and techniques to enhance your practice. Meditation is meant to be a joy and a time spent to honor yourself.

Here are a couple of ideas to help you find a meditation practice that works best for you:

• · Use music to help create a mood and environment. I also find music is a good way to re-direct my focus back to meditation. I use head phones with meditation type music. Very refreshing.
• · Set a specific time and place for your meditation practice
• · Make sure to wear comfy clothes and that you are not too cold or hot
• · Go outside. Meditating outside is wonderfully liberating and uplifting. I have had many amazing meditation sessions on my deck or out under a tree.
• · Meditate anytime you want to – in fact, you can grab a few minutes of quick meditative moments in almost any environment. If something is upsetting to you, give yourself a few moments of meditative contemplation before reacting. You may save yourself a lot of stress or anxiety.

Meditation has a tendency to lead to many other positive and uplifting behaviors. You might notice that things that “bugged” you before - don’t anymore. Or, your friends and family may comment on your calmer more peaceful demeanor. The first picture I have in this Hub is of my granddaughter. Meditation is also a great practice for kids. Everything that benefits you in meditation benefits kids, additionally to providing kids an outlet for coping and understanding their emotions. This picture of my granddaughter came about when I asked her what peace meant to her – this is how she showed me. Love J

Joleen (Bridges) Halloran is the author of Finding Home - Breaking Free from Limits. This book represents over 10 years of research and inspiration in the topics of personal and spiritual empowerment and provides readers with a pathway to overcome limits and discover authentic divine qualities in their lives and to live a life of unlimited freedom. .

Beyond Joleen's professional life, she is an avid reader and researcher of books related to her special passion, which is metaphysical and spirituality topics. You can find out more about Joleen's book at her books website,www.breakingfreefromlimits.com. Additional articles of a spiritual and inspirational nature can be found at the book's website as well.