When you start meditating and find it difficult to focus and calm your mind, it is easy to give up and think that meditation doesn’t work for you.
I get it.
I’ve been practising for more than 15 years, but I still find it difficult to sit quietly and let my thoughts slow down on their own!
I want you to enjoy meditation and look forward to practising it because you know it is something you are interested in and want to do.
So, if you’re feeling stuck and meditation feels more work than pleasure, here are 7 simple tips I’ve found helpful to keep up a daily-ish meditation practice that keeps me interested in learning and practising more.
Best Ever Meditation Tip #1 – Keep It Real
Life is busy, and there will be days, weeks, and maybe even months when you don’t practice. That’s OK. That’s life.
I know I have been through times when I have felt too low to meditate.
When you feel like this, that’s OK.
That’s life.
Just be gentle with yourself and trust you will get back on your feet and feel able to sit and practice.
Best Ever Meditation Tip #2 – Be Loving
Meditation is a gift you give to yourself.
And as with all gifts, take your time to open your present and enjoy the feeling of anticipation and excitement as you unwrap your parcel.
Some days, you’ll sit and feel all kinds of isms and fears and anxieties surface.
You might even be in tears and feel physical pain from sitting too long.
Whatever you notice, just be present, and be loving and kind to yourself.
Remove judgement and just be present with whatever arises.
It is OK.
You are OK.
Best Ever Meditation Tip #3 – Breathe
This is the key to your practice.
Anytime you feel off-key and your mind on overdrive and cluttered … just breathe.
Slowly.
Gently.
With presence and conscious awareness.
Breathe, and you will soon feel better.
Make it part of your daily life to focus on yoga breathing exercises, especially when you are at work and feel fatigued.
And in this video, I share simple ways to easily add a “mindful breathing break” into your day.
and you can also watch this video over on my YouTube Channel
Best Ever Meditation Tip #4 – Be Creative
As you can see from the meditation exercises and breathing awareness exercises, there are many ways to learn how to meditate.
The more you practice, the easier it gets to “know” what is happening with your nervous system and which technique to use in any particular situation to release stress and anxiety and restore calm and balance to your day.
Best Ever Meditation Tip #5 — Smile
When you practice, especially on the days when you feel down, give yourself a self-love hug and inner smile.
Remind yourself that you are worthy and deserve love and that taking care of your needs comes before anything else in the day.
Best Ever Meditation Tip #6 — Ask For Support
There is an old saying in yoga “when the student is ready; the teacher will appear”.
Anytime you feel stuck, unsure or need a helping hand to get you by, just breathe and say a prayer in the quiet of your heart.
Ask for help, guidance, clarity, and confidence to know what you seek will be provided.
Best Ever Meditation Tip #7 — Trust Yourself
At the end of the day, the practice of meditation is just a tool to guide you to feel calm and reconnect with the peace and stillness of your mind.
I invite you to stay present with your practice, trust yourself and give yourself the time and space to relax and enjoy your meditation time.
Closing thoughts…Over to you
So, those were my seven best tips to help you have a happy meditation even on days when you feel stressed and overwhelmed.
What else do you think would help others looking to relieve stress, relax and meditate?
Do share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Last but not least, I invite you to go to my website and sign up for my weekly-ish newsletter, Restore Hope, for more simple tips and inspiration on how meditation may help you be kinder and more loving with yourself. Thank you.
Happy meditating, and thanks for stopping by.
Ntathu
Photo by Sean Oulashin on Unsplash
