An interest in meditation is a seed of great potential. If you have a sincere desire to experience meditation, then what you do next is essential.
Beginning to meditate is comparable to planting a seed. The seed, if it is to grow and flourish, requires soil, water, sunshine, and time. All four elements are essential to sustain life. In meditation, daily effort, personal attitude, adequate time, and a shared collective are the fundamentals for a daily practice to thrive.
Four practical tips for success:
Meditate daily
Set a time each day to meditate. Don’t wait till you “feel like meditating” follow your plan and meditate at the same time and place daily. A consistent practice produces results! Five to ten minutes is adequate to establish a solid foundation.
Positive attitude
Give yourself credit and feel good about your efforts. Avoid being too critical or looking for results at this stage. If you pull the seed out of the ground every day to check progress, you will disrupt the natural process of growth. Steady, consistent practice is the way. If you miss a day, it’s okay — disruptions happen, resume the following day.
Give it time
Anything worth having takes time and effort. Set a time period that feels doable, not too long or too little. Four weeks is a good place to start. Imagine, five minutes a day, for four weeks will bring you to your goal and create a habit that sows positive results throughout your life.
Meditate with others
Meditation takes individual effort, but it is easier if you meditate with others on occasion. Find a friend who is interested in meditation and begin your practices together. A meditation class is another helpful way to start. Knowing other beginners who share your interest and making a similar effort is supportive. An experienced teacher can answer questions and provide encouragement. Sitting with experienced meditators speeds progress.
Early in a meditation practice results can be difficult to see. But with consistent effort you will notice and feel the affects of meditation in your life. You may feel calmer, centered, and more joyful or feel good about yourself in a new meaningful way. Often it is in looking back that you notice these changes.
“The more you meditate the more you will want to meditate but the less you meditate, the less will you find meditation attractive.” Swami Kriyananda
May your meditation practice blossom,
Anne
