Top Ten Ways to Begin Meditating

Forget the pretzel-shaped lotus position unless you are accustomed to it and wear sweats orpajamas, or that raggedy outfit everyone wants you to throw out. No pitching clothes or tight jeans allowed.

For most of my life I avoided introspection like a cancer. Visually it felt like entering a sticky, murky, dark, wet and slimy place reminiscent of the muck at the bottom of a lake. Somewhere along the line an enlightened person pointed out that what I had described as a death-like place was indeed a description of where most life — in both the animal and plant kingdom — begins.

I’ve since learned that introspection, the brave act of quieting all around you to drop into the divine center of you, is the cure, the remedy, the beginning of giving life to the real you, the you you’ve always been and will always be.

1. Start small. If you can leap into meditation, great! But for most beginners this sounds downright painful! Start with 5 to 10 minutes of pure quiet, set a timer if you are nervous but a quiet one no tick tick tick to distract you. No TV or music for now. No smoking or drinking – not even tea.
2. Wear sweats or pajamas, or that raggedy outfit everyone wants you to throw out. No pitching clothes or tight jeans allowed.
3. Forget the pretzel-shaped lotus position unless you are accustomed to it. Lay down in bed or on the floor, stretch out on a couch, spread out on a chaise lounge, sit in a comfy chair – your limbs and neck should be supported and nothing should be going numb on you! Use pillows.
4. Consider the lighting. As any good set designer knows lighting sets the stage. Dim is best. Dark is better. Or consider scented candles something – relaxing and peaceful.
5. Try to close your eyes. If you can’t manage this, don’t worry stare at a candle flame instead.
6. Let you thoughts run through you. Don’t try to stop them or ignore them. This is part of the process of getting to the center of you. Acknowledge them and let them go – pass right through you like a ghost. Don’t hang onto them.
7. Imagine dropping down into yourself. Most people feel their ‘gut’ as the center of spirit and truth. If those butterflies come, visually chase them away. If you are suddenly fidgety, you have found your place. Take cleansing breaths and open the door to the House of YOU.
8. Take it all in. Feelings may be rushing at you or slowly eking out their revelation. Listen. You are safe in your own home. No one can hurt you here. These feelings are just feelings – you do not have to act on anything now.
9. Open your eyes or come back to the outside slowly. Shake yourself. Take a deep breath and affirm what you have discovered about the real you.
10. Share when you are ready. Hearing it aloud makes it real. Sharing it with a supportive person allows you to combine your energy with another — gives you additional strength to continue the journey to the real you and the joy and peace that only authenticity can bring.