A Self-Care MegaStar-Learn How To Meditate

A client asked me how she could stop her mind activity when she meditated.

I remember asking this question myself when I started meditating.
After multiple attempts at quieting it, I started thinking I can’t meditate;
I’m failing because I can’t get my mind to shut up or be still.
My teachers didn’t explain to me how mediation works with the mind.

Here is my answer to her:
The mind chatter (called “monkey mind” by the Buddhist)
is natural. The mind never quiets…its job is to be busy.
Your job is not to put your attention on monkey mind/thoughts and find the space in between the thoughts in the present moment.
It’s a practice of not letting your mind control you, but you control your mind (where you focus your attention).

The more you are in the now or conscious, the less you are aware of thoughts that don’t matter when you go unconscious.
It is like watching clouds (thoughts) in the sky (your mind) and not fixating on any of them.
Just let them float by you, aware, but not attached to any of them.

Some of The benefits of meditation:

1. improves concentration and attention
2. reduces stress
3. increases self awareness
4. increases happiness
5. slows aging
6. increases compassion
7. improves your health
8. reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety and pain
9. it improves and changes your brain

Here are three ways to start building your meditation practice:

1.Light a candle and put it in a place where you can sit up straight & be comfortable with the candle in front of you.
Everyday watch the flame for 2-20 minutes and every time your mind drifts from watching the flame,
just notice “I’m thinking” and return your attention back to the flame.

2. Use a mantra like “Om, Love or Peace ” in place of the candle flame, to bring you back from thinking or dreaming. Every time your mind wanders (gone unconscious),
just notice you’re “thinking” and say your mantra bringing you back to consciousness.

3. Use your breath to keep you conscious by following it in and out. When your mind wonders with thoughts, focus back on your breath.

Every meditation experience is different. One day it may feel easy and another you’ll feel like your monkey is drunk and unable to keep a focus.
That is ok, stay with it, and you can try meditating again later in the day. Sometimes I would find myself decorating rooms of my house in my meditations and I couldn’t stop…
so I enjoyed my imagination and didn’t beat myself up.

Add guided meditations as a compliment to this daily meditation.

Be gentle and curious with your practice.