by Christine Sandor

Created on: July 08, 2010

Feeling stressed? Tired and rundown? Out of touch with the God of your being? Taking a few moments out of your busy schedule to relax, meditate and go within could make a big difference in your day to day life. Taking a few minutes before you start each day can benefit body, mind and spirit.

Meditation does not have to be a long and complicated process. Taking just five to ten minutes during your morning routine is enough to set a standard for a more peace-filled.  Begin by finding a quiet and comfortable place where you will not be interrupted.

Sit in a comfortable position. Try not to meditate lying down; you are more likely to stay awake if you are sitting up! It is not necessary to sit in the traditional Lotus position or “pretzel legs” if you will. While this position does help with the flow of energy, for beginners or folks who just wish to take a few minutes to relax, sitting in a chair with back straight and feet on the floor is fine.

Once seated and comfortable either close your eyes or gaze down towards a spot on the floor.  It is important to try to take your attention off the world around you. Shutting your eyes or looking down can help with that goal. Meditation is a process of going within to breath, relax and connect with the God of your being.  It is intended to quiet the mind of all of its busyness and go to that place of peace within.

Breathe in slowly, preferably through your nose and exhale either through your mouth or nose.  Turn your focus to your breath, breathing in to the count of ten and out to the count of ten.  Focusing on your breath will help you quiet your mind, however thoughts will creep in. It is natural for “monkey mind” to suddenly begin. You find you are suddenly adding to the shopping list or thinking about the upcoming meeting at work. Simply breathe in and consciously ‘blow out’ the thoughts. Try to do so without judgment. Identify the thought as just a thought, thank it and release it.

As you continue to breathe, drop your consciousness from your head to heart area. This is the area where love, peace and light live within you. Attempt to connect with one or all of these aspects of yourself.  As your rest in the silence of this space you encounter the God of your being.

As with anything we begin in our lives, meditation will take some practice. Perfection is not necessary. You are likely to feel the effects immediately as find yourself more at peace and living life with a deeper awareness and love.  Not a bad reward for just five minutes of your morning!

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