Meditation (Part 3) How To | A Yogi Grows In Brooklyn

Meditation Rx- How To (Part 3 of 3)

There are many approaches to mediation and depending on the official type of meditation that might appeal to you, there may be a different protocol (sitting 20 minutes a day, twice a day- Transcendental or for hours in some other lineages of buddhism/meditation). Define your goal.

My approach and suggestion is to integrate meditation into your life in ways that are functional and accessible. Even if it’s for five minutes in a day, quieting the mind and connecting with yourself reaps the benefits of eliciting the relaxation response from the body. My advice: Keep things simple; see below.

4 Tips on How to Meditate

1. Try not to attempt meditation when you’re sleepy, as you may fall asleep.
2. Find a comfortable sitting position, whether in a chair or seated on the floor. You don’t need to sit crossed-legged, the benefit of the crossed-legged seat on the floor is that it supports keeping the spine upright. However, any seated position with the spine upright is supportive for meditation.
3. Whether using the approach of quieting the mind or staying present with all of the thoughts of the mind, keep your awareness present on one thing.
4. When first starting, consider setting a timer on your cell phone for five minutes. When you have a singular focus, you realize how long five minutes can feel, when first starting.

Try integrating your mindfulness throughout your day and life, wherever you can. It’s a gift to yourself.

Shanti!