By:TASHA
Have you ever noticed how much dialog goes on in your head? For example, while driving to work you discuss (to your SELF) your to-do list without ever saying a word. Or, you debate (to your SELF) why you should go to the gym versus not going. Some simply call this thinking. But it is often called "self-talk" or the thoughts you have in your head in response to situations.
Don't get me wrong, "self-talk" is not a bad thing and is actually healthy. However, have you ever found yourself mentally tired and wanting to be still and quiet? If so, tell your SELF to be quiet with the use of meditation. Ok, some of you just responded, "Isn't that more thinking?" Thinking, yes. Self-talk, no.
Meditation is the cessation of the thought process and is more of a way of life versus a technique. It involves focusing your awareness and reducing scattered thoughts. Hard huh? No, not really. Here are a few steps to meditation and quieting the self-talk in your head:
*disclaimer* I am not a professional and these are just my opinions*
1. Find a quiet, comfortable place where you will not be distracted or interrupted. This can be a chair, bath tub, etc. Be sure that you set aside time to do this or you will find your SELF thinking about getting it over with instead of truly meditating.
1.5 Limit Distractions. Unplug the phone, turn off the phone and tv, put the kids to bed, etc. Enough said!
2. Focus breathing. Listen to yourself breathe. In.....Out. Nice and slow and feel each breath going in and out of your body Focusing on your breathing or listening to your heartbeat will help limit the talk that is going on in your head.
At this point you may experience a sense of peace, tranquility, and relaxation. And if you still find your mind wondering and you haven't arrived at that place of peace, that's ok. Practice makes perfect right? Also, meditation is not about having a blank state of mind but more about having an heighten sense of just "being" or what is happening now. Don't expect anything, just do it and see what happens. That way, there is no added pressure to obtain some expected result. Enjoy!
For more information about meditation, check out Be the Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World by Ed Shapio and collaborative authors.
Have you ever noticed how much dialog goes on in your head? For example, while driving to work you discuss (to your SELF) your to-do list without ever saying a word. Or, you debate (to your SELF) why you should go to the gym versus not going. Some simply call this thinking. But it is often called "self-talk" or the thoughts you have in your head in response to situations.
Don't get me wrong, "self-talk" is not a bad thing and is actually healthy. However, have you ever found yourself mentally tired and wanting to be still and quiet? If so, tell your SELF to be quiet with the use of meditation. Ok, some of you just responded, "Isn't that more thinking?" Thinking, yes. Self-talk, no.
Meditation is the cessation of the thought process and is more of a way of life versus a technique. It involves focusing your awareness and reducing scattered thoughts. Hard huh? No, not really. Here are a few steps to meditation and quieting the self-talk in your head:
*disclaimer* I am not a professional and these are just my opinions*
1. Find a quiet, comfortable place where you will not be distracted or interrupted. This can be a chair, bath tub, etc. Be sure that you set aside time to do this or you will find your SELF thinking about getting it over with instead of truly meditating.
1.5 Limit Distractions. Unplug the phone, turn off the phone and tv, put the kids to bed, etc. Enough said!
2. Focus breathing. Listen to yourself breathe. In.....Out. Nice and slow and feel each breath going in and out of your body Focusing on your breathing or listening to your heartbeat will help limit the talk that is going on in your head.
At this point you may experience a sense of peace, tranquility, and relaxation. And if you still find your mind wondering and you haven't arrived at that place of peace, that's ok. Practice makes perfect right? Also, meditation is not about having a blank state of mind but more about having an heighten sense of just "being" or what is happening now. Don't expect anything, just do it and see what happens. That way, there is no added pressure to obtain some expected result. Enjoy!
For more information about meditation, check out Be the Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World by Ed Shapio and collaborative authors.
Good advice. I definitely connected on the gym reference! I find that if I wake up earlier...or go to bed after everyone else did, I can find quiet time in the peace. I sit in the living room chair with lights off. It's peace both ways - morning sunrise creeping into the room, or evening solitude lulling me to sleep.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds real peaceful! I actually sitting on my back porch in the early mornings, during the warmer months, is a very nice place too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! :)