Spoiler: There is no WRONG way to meditate!
Meditation comes in every kind of shape and size. It is called a practice because it is simply that — a practice. We are human, and the chatter of our minds is sometimes inevitable. So, the practice of meditation, instead of aiming to clear our minds, it helps us to focus our minds. Meditation is a choice! While practicing, you make the choice to come back to your present, to come back to your breath, to come back to whatever you are doing in that moment.
The actual sitting down and just being with yourself is where most people stop. They believe there is some right or wrong way to be still. Truthfully, that’s just your ego’s way of trying to tell you you’re not good, before you even started. The ego also loves to try and tell you that you’ll do it wrong.
Do not listen. Drop that story!
Whether meditation means sitting down and connecting to your breath, mindfully walking through nature, cooking, cleaning, or even playing video games — start to think of meditation simply as a way to be PRESENT with what you are doing RIGHT NOW!
Let’s try one method of practice, with a simple meditation from the Yoga Sutras:
Please take a comfortable seat
Close your eyes
Allow your body to settle
Bring your attention to your breath
Watch it without trying to control it
Observe the breath moving in and out of the body
Bring your attention to your heart
Visualize the presence of a golden white light within the heart
The heart is the centre of consciousness
Allow this divine Light to glow softly and radiate it’s light throughout the whole body
Feel the presence of a luminous light radiating optimism, hope and faith throughout your entire being
Feel completely immersed in the light of love
Take 10 deep breaths.
Filling your entire body as you inhale, emptying completely as you exhale.
How was that? It really can be as simple as 10 deep breaths. Start your practice wherever you’d like, and just keep it going. That’s the only “right” way to meditate.
