We live in a fast-paced, uncertain world where violence and chaos are present at all times. We're getting busier and busier, and commercialism and advertisements are bombarding us from every direction. Like many of us, I've been looking for a way to break through the constant barrage of information and allow my mind to relax, and after years of studying and experimenting with the art of meditation as practiced by many of the world's great religions, such as Buddhism, I've discovered a simple six-step formula that allows me to release the inner peace that has been waiting to emerge.
Step#1 – Locate a cool, quiet location.
The first step toward releasing your inner peace is to find a quiet place where you can meditate without being disturbed. Sitting on the ground in the garden, near a river, or, if you're like me and stuck in the city, simply sitting in your lounge room will suffice. However, there are a few important factors to consider.
There should be very little noise from traffic: Nothing is more annoying than starting to meditate and hearing the air brakes on a truck or an ambulance or police car passing by.
Distractions should be avoided at all costs: When you first begin meditating, you may find it difficult to get started, but with a little practice, which is the fun part, you will find that you improve over time. However, in the beginning, a little distraction from your children or noise can make it very difficult.
You Must Feel Safe: Because of the state of today's society, you must have a sense of well-being before beginning your meditation. If you're feeling insecure, you'll find it difficult to let go of your worries and, more importantly, your thoughts.
Be Comfortable: The average meditation session lasts about 20 minutes. It may take up to 10 minutes to reach a state of relaxation when you first begin, so make sure you sit on a comfortable surface before beginning the meditation process. I am a firm believer in sitting on the floor, but if you are having trouble sitting upright for any length of time, lean against the wall. This can also assist you in feeling secure. If you find it more comfortable sitting in a chair, try your meditation that way. I do not recommend sitting on a couch simply because you run the risk that you may fall asleep, and whilst that is great before going to bed, it is not recommended as the outcome of the meditation process.
Step#2 – Use a small amount of light incense.
When you first start meditating, a light incense may help you break through the barriers, depending on where you are. If you're like me and are always on the go and stressed, you might find it difficult to focus on your meditation at first due to the buzz running through your veins, so using a light incense like lavender can certainly help.
Step#3 – Focus on Your Breathing. Breath In and Out.
Now that we've gathered all of the necessary components for meditation, it's time for you to give it a shot. Crossing my legs and placing my hands on my knees with my open palms up is how I prefer to meditate. If you are unable to cross your legs, sit with your legs flat on the floor. Spread your legs apart and place your hands on your knees if you're sitting in a chair.
The next step on the road to peace is to close your eyes and take a deep breath in before slowly exhaling the air. You must repeat this process regularly, but there are a few things to keep in mind while doing so. When you first begin to meditate, you will notice that as you relax, the things that bothered you during the day will resurface and come to the forefront of your mind. We must stop this during your meditation period, or you will become more stressed than when you began. Look into the depths of the darkness while breathing to clear your mind.
Try this technique if you're having trouble letting go. While inhaling slowly, concentrate on the number one in your mind's eye, and continue to focus on the number as you exhale. Change the number one to a number two as you take your second breath, then focus on the number two and maintain that focus as you exhale. Concentrate on the next number with each new breath. However, if your focus wanders and you start thinking about dinner or what you're going to do tomorrow, return to step one. After a while, you'll notice that using this process helps you maintain your focus and bring out your inner peace much more quickly.
If you haveculty sleeping, I find that counting and b process really process lot. Once again, it takes time to master the technique, but the more you practice, the better you will get at it.
Step#4 – Clear Your Mind.
The next step is to clear your mind once you've mastered the process of breathing and settling into a relaxed state. This will require some effort and time to master, but you will truly understand what inner peace is once you have. You will not think of anything but exist to clear your mind. The key to clearing your mind is to close your eyes and focus on the space around you without thinking about anything.
When you do this, you will feel a deep sense of peace wash over you. Endorphins will give you a tingling sensation throughout your body, and you will feel extremely relaxed. With practice, you will be able to turn on the tingling at will.
Step#6 – Feel the Waves of Happiness.
The Buddhists talk about meditating to reach enlightenment, and while it can take a lifetime or more to reach that point, I can tell you that it feels like a whole new world when you get to that point where you have let go of your surroundings and are at peace. At the very least, not being stressed and not experiencing the constant buzz caused by the pressures of our daily lives will give you a new perspective on what normal is.
Allow your mind to slowly begin to think when you feel your meditation time has come to an end. You'll discover that it's a lot easier than you think. Then gradually open your eyes and become more conscious of your surroundings. Allow yourself five minutes before getting up, and when you do, you should feel a sense of calm and peace surrounding your body, mind, and soul.
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