How to Start Meditation

Meditation is a technique that has been used by many people across the world to calm the mind, center themselves, and introspect on their thoughts and feelings. However, in today’s busy lifestyle, many have forgotten the benefits and peace we can obtain simply through meditating – be it even for ten minutes. There are many different types of mediations, prayers, and methods. This post will focus on a simple mediation technique that has yielded positive results for me.

One way to introduce meditation in your life is to do it first thing in the morning and start your day off with positivity. As you get ready for your day, take 10-20 minutes to sit down and be with yourself and your thoughts.

As you take these 10-20 minutes to be with yourself, sit or lie down in a way that is as comfortable as you can be. At this point, you can focus on every breath and motion in your body and feel how each breath is entering and circulating throughout your whole body and then releasing.

With each breath, you will notice negative ideas and intrusive thoughts surface. As these negative thoughts come up, understand that you define the meaning of your thoughts and choose the energy you want in your life and in your mind. Let these thoughts go. You are in control of your mind, your life, and most importantly, your energy. You are not your thoughts. You can change your mindset and change negative beliefs into positive thoughts. As you release your breath, let go of the negative thoughts and choose to replace them with a kind phrase about yourself.

Through a habitual practice of picking and choosing your thoughts within your meditation, you will be able to have a more positive and peaceful mindset. We spend our whole lives with ourselves, so why not take some time out of your day to love yourself and make your mind a peaceful place to live.

By Jaspreet Kaur
SAMHIN volunteer
Medical Student, NYITCOM Old Westbury, NY