Life can really be complicated and difficult. With the pressures of career and city living, you just get to a point when everything feels like it’s too much. Even when I strove for balance by going out with friends and having some alone time, I felt like it was not enough.
A friend invited me to join her for a relaxing meditation class in Melbourne western suburbs. Curious, I decided to come and see how it can help me with my stress levels. I wanted a solution that not just dealt with the physical manifestations of the pressures of life, but at the same time, give me peace of mind.
My purpose was not just to really quiet me from inside, and hopefully, that will help me better cope with what life throws our way. After all, there is really no way to completely run away from reality and hide from anything that can cause stress.
It has now been many weeks since my first meditation class, and I have really found the solution I had been desperate for. Taking the time to be quiet and still, clearing my mind of all thoughts, has really helped me find a balance. In three simple stages, I get to really detach from the stress of life and find a peaceful place.
The first important stage of meditation is proper breathing. The key is to do it slowly and as quietly as possible. Once you have mastered this, it can help develop the power of concentration.
Concentration is the second stage. Especially in this day and age, it is difficult to really detach yourself from pressures of work, negative thoughts and emotions. But when you learn to concentrate, you are able to ignore these. You can focus your attention on one thing without being distracted.
The last stage is meditation, where you are completely at peace, silent and able to really pull yourself away from external things. This is the end goal of meditating for relaxation.
Although it might seem vague now, imagine being able to really separate yourself from stress. After all, most of the day you are bombarded by e-mails, deadlines, bosses, clients, sad news and all other things that actually weigh you down and affect your emotions. After mastering meditation, you will realize how much stiller and more tranquil you feel deep down inside.
If you are looking to try it, here are some tips for beginners:
- Participate in Group Meditation First
In the beginning, you will need the support of a guide. Joining a group can also help you get inspired and connect with other individuals on the same journey. It can eventually support your individual meditation when you eventually try it out yourself. In my experience, it helped me understand the main principles of meditation when I connected with other people.
- Use Some Incense
The smell of incense will purify the air that you will be breathing in. At the same time, it creates an inspiring atmosphere that allows the body and mind to stay calm and still.
- Keep Your Spine Straight
When meditating, keep your spine straight and your body relaxed. Most importantly, try to be comfortable. However, do not lie down because you might fall asleep.
- Do Some Exercise Beforehand
If you feel a little restless before meditation, you can do some yoga exercises to help you relax and calm down. Or, you can also perform some breathing and stretching exercises.
- Try to Keep Your Eyes Open
If you are having trouble in the beginning, do not meditate with your eyes closed. You can choose an inanimate object to concentrate on the entire time. This way, you can improve your focus as well.
- Meditate Early in the Morning
This is the best time to do it, to be able to start your day right. For a beginner, try meditating for 15 to 20 minutes. Later on, you can do it for as long as you can concentrate.
- Choose the Right Music
The right kind will elevate your consciousness and create a positive environment for meditation. This can also help you tune out external noises that might distract you.
- Eat Afterwards
Meditating is easiest when you do it on an empty stomach, or at least two hours after your last meal.
Meditation for relaxation has been key for me to survive the pressures of life, especially if you are in a demanding job. Being able to find balance has helped me become happier and even healthier. I could sleep better and felt less tension, this is why I decided to incorporate it into my weekly routine. So if you are feeling overwhelmed with life like I was, then go and sign up for a class right now!