Meditation is a simple, natural procedure used to relax the body, reduce stress, order thought processes, strengthen the immune system, slow biological aging processes, contribute to psychological wellness, and have an enhanced positive outlook on life. Meditators report that they are healthier, happier, more functional, and more enthusiastic about life when they include meditation practice in their daily schedule.

My Experience With Meditation

Twelve years ago, I was introduced to meditation at a Spiritual/Meditation Retreat.

Meditation changed my life! I like to “keep it simple” and after experimenting with several techniques, I always seem to go back to focusing on my breathing. Sitting with my spine straight, feet flat on the floor, hands palms down on my thighs and focus between my eyebrows, I start with three deep breaths. Inhaling through the nostrils, holding the inhale for a couple of seconds then exhaling forcefully out of my mouth. On the third inhale, I lift my shoulders up to my ears, hold it, then on the exhale I let my shoulders completely relax. For the rest of my meditation, I am focused on my natural breathing. If a thought comes to mind (which it will), I say to myself, “thinking,” then go back to focusing on my breathing again.

When I first heard about meditation, I was the person who thought she could never turn her “monkey mind” off long enough to meditate, even for a few minutes. It takes practice and IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN!

When life happens and I feel stressed and need to concentrate and be more focused, I stop what I’m doing to meditate. It ALWAYS helps!
Even if you aren’t inspired when you first sit to meditate, sit still anyway and wait in the silence. Regular meditation is of value to anyone who is willing to learn and relax in the process.

If you have a religious affiliation, you need not change it in order to practice meditation. Meditation will enable you to be more soul-centered and conscious. You will be more insightful and intuitive.

There are hundreds of meditations on Google and YouTube. Experiment and have fun to see what works for you or to improve your current meditation practice.
“Everything works better if you unplug it and give it a little rest, including yourself.”

I have researched 100 Reasons to Meditate! Be looking for 5 in each of my monthly newsletters. Here are your first 5:

1. Lowers oxygen consumption.
2. Decreases respiratory rate.
3. Increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
4. Increases exercise tolerance.
5. Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.