Cindy
Does the idea of meditation seem too time consuming? Are you open to some new (and quick) practice ideas to streamline your way to mindful meditation? We have all heard about the wonderful benefits of meditation, so how can we streamline our practice to incorporate it easily into our lives?
Mindful meditation is an excellent way to de-stress and focus your attention on the present moment to create a calm and peaceful vibration which you can carry with you throughout the rest of your day!
I enjoy my own daily mindfulness meditation practice. If I don’t make the time for myself or just forget to meditate, then I can really feel it – the peace and centeredness gained from this relaxation exercise is clearly not present when I skip a daily session.
“Just pick up the pencil!”
There was a favorite art teacher of mine who spoke about sitting down and being productive when it’s the last thing you feel like doing. He said, “Just pick up the pencil.” I never forgot that and interpreted it to mean just take the first tiny step to begin the creative process and that will trigger more motion and focus on streamlining your productivity. It’s the same with meditation to me.
Just begin by walking to your meditation resting place, cushion, mat, bed … Hopefully it is a place you’ve made inviting, comfortable, quiet and peaceful – your sanctuary. Just getting there means you are 90% on your way to committing to enjoying a good practice session.
Your session can last from 5 minutes until as long as you want it to last. Take those first steps and think about your intention – happiness, peace, joy, gratefulness … Being in a mindset of gratefulness is very beneficial because it can be at the core of manifesting all your desires.
5 Ways to mindful meditation
To begin a simple meditation practice here are 5 easy steps to quickly get you settled in for a very relaxing session:
1) Be aware of how you are sitting.
It’s best to sit comfortably using good posture. This helps align the 7 chakras up vertically so energy flows well. A meditation cushion can help you sit tall. Here is my favorite (and most comfortable) meditation pillow…filled with organic buckwheat! Check out the price on Amazon!
Graphic courtesy of Zencare.com
2) Consider “Square breathing” to focus on taking slow deep breaths.
Four step, Square breathing (or “Box Breathing”) is considered a great method for practicing taking slow deep breaths. According to the fantastically informative blog, ZenCare.co, simply begin by slowly exhaling all of your air out. Then, gently inhale through your nose to a slow count of 4. Hold at the top of the breath for a count of 4.
Then gently exhale through your mouth for a count of 4. At the bottom of the breath, pause and hold for the count of 4. Like a wave, watch relaxation sweep over you!
3) Have an opening phrase, prayer or a mantra that sets your mind to the intention to meditate calmly and well.
Of course, who better to reference for “how to write a personal mantra” than Oprah! Check out this great piece from her website on how to construct and write a personal mantra!
4) If your mind begins to wander just return your focus back to your deep slow breathing.
5) Relax and be grateful for this quiet time!
Here are some additional helpful hints to set you on the path to streamline your meditation practice:
Photo courtesy of Michael Hession
High quality Yoga Mat!
Many people lie down to meditate in their beds before sleep or upon waking, or on yoga mats for any time of day. Check out this New York Times article on the “5 Best Yoga Mats of 2021”
Soothing Incense to streamline your meditation!
You can also elevate your practice by adding your favorite objects and tools. Incense can add a lovely sense of smell during your sessions. Check out the price on Amazon!
Colorful Chakra Crystals!
Crystals associated with the 7 chakra colors can be incorporated by holding one or more in your hands during meditation for amazing results! Check out the price for this set of 17 pc premium chakra crystals box for beginners energy crystals… Amazon’s Choice
Streamline the mood with Lavender Lighting!
Another way to set the meditation mood is with lighting. Lavender is a very high vibrational color! Check out the price for a 10′ strand of these beauties on Amazon!
If you would like to learn more about ways to create a wonderful meditation space, check out my post on “5 Ways to Create a Peaceful Meditation Space!”
I hope you enjoy these 5 Ways to Streamline Your Way to Mindful Meditation…and creating a new relaxing sanctuary with your own unique personal objects and tools!
Namaste,
Cindy
