Are you drowning in a sea of chaos? Is your to-do list a mile long? Wouldn’t you like more peace in your life, even in the midst of the pandemonium around you? You can have the peace and joy you deserve when you learn to meditate. Warm summer nights provide the perfect backdrop for learning this life-enhancing skill.
In the summer, it’s easier to feel better about life. The warm weather, casual feeling of the season and endless recreational opportunities bring with them an excitement about life that’s hard to find in any other season. Use this positive momentum to your advantage to learn a skill that will fuel your happiness in any season.
Getting Ready to Meditate
Meditation is a very personal thing. Some people meditate in groups. But when you meditate alone, you may experience fewer distractions and a richer experience as a result. A backyard lounge or hammock is a great place to contemplate where you are and the direction your life is headed on a warm summer evening.
Sit comfortably or lie down to prepare your body for meditation. Once you begin, the flow of your contemplation is interrupted if you have to move around or adjust to a more comfortable position.
Pay attention to your breathing. Breathe from your belly and not your chest. Take slow, deep breaths. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at deep breathing. Proper breathing is the key to relaxing your body and opening your mind to experience the benefits of meditation.
How you meditate will have a lot to do with what feels right to you. The goal of any meditation session is to feel centered and relaxed. If you relax and let go, your spirit will instinctively move toward a meditation style that’s right for you.
Supplies
Like meditation itself, the supplies you’ll need are largely a matter of personal preference. It’s okay to experiment with different ideas until you find what works best for you. Here are some suggestions for things you might want to use in your meditation:
* A religious object or symbol that means something to you
* Candles or incense that provide an aromatherapy effect
* Music or white noise for a calming effect
* A blanket, pillow, stuffed toy, or similar object that gives you comfort
What If It’s Not Working?
At first, meditation can feel a bit awkward. It’s easy to get distracted. If you continue to practice until you find what works for you, however, you’ll find that meditation calms your mind and supports the attainment of the peace you crave.
What matters most in meditation is how it makes you feel. If a particular technique feels uncomfortable or leaves you without a feeling of peace, it may be the wrong technique for you. Shift your focus and try a different technique. Above all, do what feels right to you in this personal time of reflection.
Meditation is valuable for increasing your inner sense of peace. The warmth of summer is a perfect complement to the peacefulness you experience in your mind, body, and spirit when you practice meditation on a regular basis.
