My Happiness Coach

It can be a bit scary to start mediating, because a lot of people thing that there is a right way to do it. I am here to tell you that mediation is about you feeling comfortable and natural, not awkward and self conscience.

So, there is no right way to mediate!!! This is a very personal journey that you have with yourself.

Let dive into the mechanics of meditation….

1. Relaxation: you should be in a comfortable position but this can be done at your desk, sitting on the couch (with the tv off or earbuds in), in your (parked) car.

1. Breathing: using long deep breathes is a good way to relax you mind and body.
2. Focus: you can close your eyes and focus on relaxing scenery in your mind, if this is too difficult, focus on a beautiful object in the room. Perhaps you can search for a relaxing scene on your computer or cellphone.
3. Thoughts: relax and try to declutter your mind. The goal isn’t to stop thinking, but to let go of your thoughts. Thought comes in your mind, let it go, don’t hold on to it.
4. Sounds: you can play music or nature sounds, whatever relaxes you. You can also mediate in silence but you run the risk of other noises distracting you.
5. Distractions: you will be distracted but don’t get discouraged, 2 minutes of meditation is better than none.
6. Set a timer: you don’t have the whole day to sit a mediate, so set a timer for the time that you can allow 2, 5, 15, 60 minutes. That way you won’t get lost in the moment or keep peeking at the clock.

Make meditation your own! Don’t be afraid to chant or hum, if you need help with focus. YouTube is also full of guided meditation and videos of lovely scenes with lovely music.

There are all sorts of apps to help you on your journey through meditation:

Headspace: guided meditation, the app is free but there are add-ons for a cost

Calm: guided meditation, music, breathing exercises but there is a subscription fee

Insight Timer: guided meditation, music, community and a built in timer, they added premium content in 2019.

YouTube: free, search for meditation, YellowBrickCinema is excellent.