As an avid reader of Gwenyth Paltrow's blog, Goop, which shares all sorts of fun stories and advice about very fancy places to go and things to eat, I was so excited to find that this week's post is about a very non-elite topic: Meditation. Learning to Meditate is Gwenyth's new year's resolution.
In this week's Goop newsletter, Gwenyth talks to experienced meditation practitioners to find out how to do it. After consulting several of them, Gwenyth concludes, "Their approaches are different but I think they are landing in pretty much the same spot."
Some approach meditation from a "Buddhist perspective," with the aim being to reach Nirvana. Others approach from a yogic perspective, clearing the mind to prepare for samadhi. Others, still, meditate with the intention of, "diving in and experienc[ing] an ocean of energy, intelligence and happiness." But no matter the reason, the benefit is a clearer, calmer outlook and a refreshing state of being. It is a beautiful feeling. Practicing meditation regularly may even help to lower blood pressure or even change your gene response to stress.
Have you tried meditation?
One way to try it out (from my own experience) is to find a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed. I find early morning hours are ideal for finding that solitude. Finding a comfortable seated position, gently close your eyes and rest you hands comfortably in your lap. Begin breathing in and out naturally through your nose, simply paying attention to your breath without changing it. Begin to imagine your breath traveling up and down your spine as you inhale and exhale. Relax the muscles of your face and jaw.
If you find your mind keeps wandering away from your breath, you might want to try using a mantra. A mantra is a sound, a word or a phrase that you can repeat over and over. You might choose a mantra with a specific intention, for example, "I am calm," or you might choose a mantra like the word "Om" or "Aum," focusing on that phrase as you either speak it out loud over and over or say it in your head.
Make sure you set time aside to meditate so you are not feeling stressed or distracted. I recommend at least 20-30 minutes. It will feel like a long time at first, but once you begin meditating on a regular basis, it will go by quickly because your mind will be able to settle into a meditative state more rapidly.
What are your experiences with meditation?
Namaste,
Adrienne
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