Meditation: your quick step-by-step guide

When you desire a clear response, just as you do in any situation, you have to make a clear request. Thoughts are energy and so if you are sending out a thought amidst a whole bunch of other jumbled up thoughts, it has a greater chance of getting lost in the maelstrom. If you find that when you have asked your question you don’t get some sort of clarity, it’s likely that you were in the static zone! Meditation is a heightened form of concentration. It can be a very calming and powerful method of rewiring yourself for a positive outlook and enhancing your focus on any goal. 

You have to be in the right mind for things to come in at the right time! Here’s a brief run down on one meditation technique to help you become clear and focused…and static – free! There are many forms of meditation, however, and (as with anything) the technique you choose is about what works best for you. You may need to experiment and/or research other methods if after a reasonable number of attempts this method doesn’t seem to be effective for you. This is the breath – observation method, and it will get you into the zone if you practice it. Choose a time when you won’t be disturbed by anyone. This is your precious time.

“When you desire a clear response, just as you do in any situation, you have to make a clear request. Thoughts are energy.”

Preparation: First, take off your watch or set an alarm clock for a few minutes’ time. Get comfortable by either sitting on your bed with your feet on the floor or sitting on the floor with your legs crossed and your spine against the wall for support. You can even sit on a chair or, if you prefer, lie on the floor. Whatever feels right to you.

Step 1: Breathe in through your nose with your mouth closed.

Step 2: Leave your eyes either half – open and focused on one point in the room or, if you prefer, close them fully.

Step 3. Continue to breathe through your nose until you feel the breath go all the way to your stomach, and then breathe out the same way so you can feel a kind of ‘loop’ pattern in your breathing.

Step 4. Don’t follow any train of thought (this can be hard but you have to try) and if any thoughts arise, let them fall away as you return your focus to your breath.

Step 5. The thoughts will continue to come – the trick is to learn to ignore them. They have no place for you right now because they are only serving to distract you from your mission of being peacefully static-free! If you find you have too many thoughts, practice running an affirmation over and over in your mind. For example: ‘I love my life. I am happy and contented. All is well in my world.’ You can change the meditation to suit your needs or your mood.

Step 6. Be still, don’t fidget and try to control any excess body movement. Focus.

Step 7. Do this for as long as you can. You can start with a few minutes and work up to longer periods. Do it first thing in the morning when you’re fresh, and then again in the evening before you go to sleep.

It may seem like hard work, but the more you meditate the greater the results. 

Photographer: Anthea Paul