Hi,
Thanks for tuning in to Tranquil Spirits podcast.
My name is Jacqueline and I'm very happy to have you here.
I don't know about you,
But when I'm busy or feel a little overwhelmed with life,
I turn to meditation for comfort and to bring balance back into my day.
Meditation is the subject of this week's podcast and I want to share with you my five ways to meditate with a difference.
Meditation is a great way to relax and bring calm to an otherwise stressful life.
When we make a little time each day to meditate,
It becomes a useful tool for letting go of anxiety as we replace that with peace.
But although there are many,
Many people who use meditation to enhance their life,
For many others the word meditation doesn't seem that appealing as they imagine it to mean sitting on the ground cross legged with a straight spine and eyes closed as they try to think of nothing for an hour or having to perform strange yoga poses before lying on a mat and clearing their mind.
And I'm sure there are many other images,
All of which can stop a lot of people from even giving meditation a try.
But while these images are kind of true,
Meditation is so much more and can be done in many different ways,
Some of which may not even feel like meditation but gives the same experience.
If we think of meditation as a simple mindfulness technique,
We can visualise it differently.
When we begin to add more mindfulness into our life,
We find that the regrets of the past and the stress of the future will simply melt away.
Meditation doesn't have to be complicated or done in a particular way.
Meditation should be simple and enjoyable and performed in a way that suits each individual person.
When we take time to do something,
Anything,
In a meditative way,
We will feel the benefits of this art.
As we breathe slowly and smile while focusing on the moment,
Even everyday tasks can become a meditation.
So if you are someone who would like an alternative to what many people think of as the normal way of meditating,
Or you would like to experience meditation in a different kind of way,
Here are my 5 tips.
Number 1.
Enjoy the first drink of the day.
The way you start your day will set the tone for the rest of the day.
Each morning,
When you have your first tea or coffee,
Or whatever you drink,
Dedicate the next 5 or 10 minutes to drinking it slowly,
While you focus on the value of that drink.
As you close your eyes and feel the warm liquid flow through your body,
Push any other thoughts out of your mind.
Breathe in between sips and allow yourself to relax.
Concentrate on this moment when nothing else matters,
Just the act of enjoying the drink.
Number 2 is go for a walk.
Walk at a slower pace than normal,
So you can take in your surroundings,
Look at the flowers,
At the scenery around you.
Be aware of your breathing and appreciate your amazing body as you stroll along.
Be thankful for all you see around you.
Be alert to the different noises around you.
Take in the beauty everywhere.
Nothing else matters at this time.
Just enjoy being out in nature.
Number 3 is listen to music.
Lie down somewhere you won't be disturbed,
Maybe even put headphones on.
Close your eyes and listen to something instrumental.
Allow the music to flow through you as you listen to the different instruments.
Feel your body respond to the tempo as you lose yourself in the rhythm.
Let your body vibrate with the sound.
Allow the music to take you to a tranquil place,
A place where you will be energised and uplifted,
Ready to continue the day on your return.
Number 4 is write.
Writing is a great form of meditation and a wonderful way to express yourself.
Start by writing down all the things which are on your mind.
This clears your mind and then allows new things to flow in.
As you look at the blank sheet of paper,
Take a deep breath and then just allow your pen to write.
Don't think about what you are writing,
Just allow it to happen.
You can do this writing meditation in the morning to clear your mind for the day ahead or in the evening to remove the overflow of busy thoughts followed by a gratitude list from the day's events before you go to sleep.
And number 5 is breathe.
Yes,
Just breathe.
Actually focus on your breathing.
This is a great meditation to do at any time of day and one you can do anywhere.
It is particularly useful when you are feeling stressed or anxious about something.
Close your eyes and with each breath you take,
Focus directly upon it.
Only think about your breath as you breathe in and as you breathe out.
Slowly breathe in for a count of 4 and hold for a count of 4.
And now breathe out for a count of 6.
And repeat.
Do this until you feel relaxed and calm and as often as you need to.
So my 5 ways to meditate with a difference are,
1.
Enjoy the first drink of the day.
2.
Go for a walk.
3.
Listen to music.
4.
Write.
And 5.
Breathe.
Throughout my life I have learnt that I am in control of all my actions.
I have learnt that by starting my day in a good way,
The rest of the day will also be good.
I have learnt that by really taking notice and appreciating the small things in life,
The bigger things are even more amazing.
I have learnt that by writing down any worries which are on my mind,
I allow room for new ideas and plans to flow into mind.
And I have learnt that when I breathe with positive intention,
My body becomes refreshed and relaxed.
Thank you so much for listening.
I hope you have found something useful in this podcast.
Please feel free to contact me.
I truly enjoy hearing your thoughts and I thank you for taking the time to do that.
And also please visit my Tranquil Spirits Instagram and Facebook pages.
Have a beautiful day.
You deserve it.
And remember,
Always follow that dream.
Thanks again for listening and I'll speak to you again soon on my next podcast.
