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Seven Keys To Begin Meditation

Posted by isleindia on 03/10/2009
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Seven Keys To Begin Meditation
Key#1: Find a Special Place
Set aside a special place that is used only for meditation. If you have a spare room, great, but it's fine to set aside a corner of your bedroom. This will be your sacred space for self-discovery, so you'll want to make it as inspiring as possible.
You might like to:
• Cover a low table with a clean, light cloth
• Place a candle on a table, and a vase with fresh flowers if possible.
• You may also want to light some incense. Together, these items will help create a meditative atmosphere.
Key#2: Prepare Physically
Your spiritual journey takes place in and through your physical body. Here's how you can help prepare it for meditation:
• Take a shower before meditating. If it isn't possible to take a shower, wash your face and hands.
• Wear clean, light, loose fitting clothes.
• Take your shoes off before meditating. Your feet deserve a break too!
Key#3: Sit Relaxed, Sit Straight
There's no need to sit in a special yogic posture to meditate. If you can sit comfortably on a cushion on the floor, this is best. Otherwise a meditation stool or chair is fine. The important thing is to be still and relaxed, to have your back erect, and to have the flower and candle close to eye level. People often ask if it's okay to meditate while lying down. We don't recommend it; the most likely outcome is you'll fall asleep. Always remember to begin your meditation with six or seven 'power-breaths' - long, slow deep breaths that release the myriad of thoughts and focus your attention within.
Key#4: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
In the beginning, five minutes of meditation a day is enough. Meditation is like an inner muscle that you are slowly but surely making stronger. If you overwork a muscle, it becomes sore; if you meditate for more than five minutes and feel tension in your head or get a headache, you know you've gone beyond your capacity. Try not to be concerned with expectations of what your meditation is going to do for you or what your meditation experience 'should' be. Just steadily, soulfully and sincerely practice and make yourself alert to the messages that will begin to arise from within.
Key#5: Choose the right time
Make an appointment with yourself and practice at the same time each day. Just as you feed your physical body several times a day at certain times, meditation nourishes your inner life so set at least one special time each day for your meditation exercises.
The best time to meditate is early in the morning, before you enter into your daily activities. This way, the peace you get from your meditation will permeate the rest of your day.If by giving up small pleasures, great happiness is to be found, the wise should give up small pleasures, seeing the prospect of great happiness - THE BUDDHA.
Many people also like to meditate when they get home from work, to help wash away the stress of the day. You might also want to meditate just before going to bed. This will help you to sleep more soundly.
We don't suggest meditating right after a big meal. Like a bird, your inner being will be trying to fly higher, but your body will be weighing it down. So wait an hour or two before meditating.
Key#6: The Power of Music
Music is often referred to as the language of the soul. Peaceful music of the heart will create a meditative atmosphere and tremendously enhance the quality of your meditation. Play it softly during your exercises; merely listening to and absorbing the music will help you to feel the deep inner stillness of meditation.
Key#7: You
In the end, the most important ingredient in this whole process is you. It is you, who experiences, you, who is discovered, you, who is the student, you, who is the real teacher and you, finally, who is revealed.
Remind yourself of this often because this is the greatest gift of meditation: faith in oneself.
Highly recommended
A meditation journal is the best aid I have included to my meditation over the years. Verbalising what you are going through and/or what you are currently focusing on by writing down these self-revelations formalises and crystallises the most crucial process of listening to oneself.