by Liz Nierzwicki
What is Meditation?
Everyone thinks that the purpose of meditation is to handle stress, to tune out, to get away from it all. While that's partially true, the real purpose of meditation is actually to tune in, not to get away from it all, but to get in touch with it all. Not to just de-stress, but to find that peace within, the peace that spiritual traditions talk about that passes all understanding. So, meditation is a way to get in the space between your thoughts. Your mind jumps from one thought to the next and there's little space between every thought. Meditation helps to slow down the mind and actually brings it to a place neuroscientists call "alpha brain waves". Alpha waves in meditation basically promote changes in the autonomic nervous system that calm it down and relax the entire body and mind.
Everyone thinks that the purpose of meditation is to handle stress, to tune out, to get away from it all. While that's partially true, the real purpose of meditation is actually to tune in, not to get away from it all, but to get in touch with it all. Not to just de-stress, but to find that peace within, the peace that spiritual traditions talk about that passes all understanding. So, meditation is a way to get in the space between your thoughts. Your mind jumps from one thought to the next and there's little space between every thought. Meditation helps to slow down the mind and actually brings it to a place neuroscientists call "alpha brain waves". Alpha waves in meditation basically promote changes in the autonomic nervous system that calm it down and relax the entire body and mind.
When we slow down our thoughts we connect to the space between our thoughts, this space is the gateway to the universal spirit, while others call it pure consciousness, and some people call this space the spirit or God. You can call it what you want, but it is a place that offers you pure or right consciousness, the truest truth of who you are.
Where to Meditate
Since my meditations are guided meditations, you should choose a place where you will not be disturbed, plug in ear buds or simply click play on the laptop, then close your eyes, breathe, and listen.
Since my meditations are guided meditations, you should choose a place where you will not be disturbed, plug in ear buds or simply click play on the laptop, then close your eyes, breathe, and listen.
When to Meditate
Morning and evening coincide with our body's quieter rhythms. Our body knows how to be still; we just have to give it opportunity. Studies show that routines you begin in the mornings last the longest, but any time you desire to meditate is the right time. You will notice that when you meditate at a certain time of day your body will begin to call it in when you are late or have missed it. Meditation is powerful, and in my opinion, the body begins to crave it.
Morning and evening coincide with our body's quieter rhythms. Our body knows how to be still; we just have to give it opportunity. Studies show that routines you begin in the mornings last the longest, but any time you desire to meditate is the right time. You will notice that when you meditate at a certain time of day your body will begin to call it in when you are late or have missed it. Meditation is powerful, and in my opinion, the body begins to crave it.
Body Position
Being comfortable is most important. It is preferable to sit up straight on the floor or on a chair to help cultivate alertness, but if you need to lie down, that is fine. The mind has been conditioned to sleep when the body is lying down so you may fall asleep. Your hands can relax on your lap, palms up or any way that you feel most open. Sometimes you may become chilly, so grab a blanket or sweater.
Being comfortable is most important. It is preferable to sit up straight on the floor or on a chair to help cultivate alertness, but if you need to lie down, that is fine. The mind has been conditioned to sleep when the body is lying down so you may fall asleep. Your hands can relax on your lap, palms up or any way that you feel most open. Sometimes you may become chilly, so grab a blanket or sweater.
Thoughts
Thoughts will inevitably drift in and dance around your mind, but that's normal. Don't try to do anything with them – let them be. If you find yourself thinking about what's passing through your mind, just return to focusing your awareness on the mantra such as "I am" on the inhale and "pure consciousness" on the exhale, or simply focus on your breath – you will soon slip into the space between thoughts.
Thoughts will inevitably drift in and dance around your mind, but that's normal. Don't try to do anything with them – let them be. If you find yourself thinking about what's passing through your mind, just return to focusing your awareness on the mantra such as "I am" on the inhale and "pure consciousness" on the exhale, or simply focus on your breath – you will soon slip into the space between thoughts.
Breath
The best way to always bring yourself to the present moment, is to pay attention to your breath. In an unforced, natural rhythm, allow your breath to flow in and out, easily and effortlessly.
The best way to always bring yourself to the present moment, is to pay attention to your breath. In an unforced, natural rhythm, allow your breath to flow in and out, easily and effortlessly.
Meditation Length
The effects of meditation are cumulative, and setting aside as little as 15 minutes a day to retreat and rejuvenate is beneficial. Many schools of meditation prescribe 30 minutes of meditation twice a day, and as your meditation practice evolves, you can extend your time. It's better to spend just a few minutes meditating every day rather than meditating for an hour a week.
The effects of meditation are cumulative, and setting aside as little as 15 minutes a day to retreat and rejuvenate is beneficial. Many schools of meditation prescribe 30 minutes of meditation twice a day, and as your meditation practice evolves, you can extend your time. It's better to spend just a few minutes meditating every day rather than meditating for an hour a week.
Thanks for reading, everyone. If you're looking for more help with meditation, sign up for the Solace newsletter and you'll be notified about our up-coming meditation e-course and CD's. Please share this article with a friend and also let us know your thoughts and questions at info@solaceyogastudio.com.
Warmly,
Liz Nierzwicki
Liz Nierzwicki
Liz Nierzwicki, BS, ACSM-CPT, E-RYT Hi everyone, my mission
is to help people find their inner peace and
cultivate balance between life, spirituality, and health.
I’m the founder of Solace Yoga Studio &
Solace Yoga School and creator of the online lifestyle
program called figureFIT! (figurefitlife.com).
I am, at heart, a creator – it’s my passion and I love
helping people discover their true calling as well. On
our journey in life, we MUST be healthy and THAT is
my #1 passion. As a lifestyle coach, I help people with
diet, health, fitness, yoga, spirituality, and goal creation. I
am a single mom (by choice), certified yoga
teacher, personal trainer, and lifestyle coach to many clients all
over the globe via my online figureFIT! Lifestyle
Program. I spend most of my time in Mishawaka, Indiana either running the
business and teaching at Solace Yoga Studio or creating content for my online member
community. As a passionate advocate for mind, body, and spiritual health, I am
writing my first book, detailing the figureFIT! program and how to balance
our lives to be truly happy and healthy. If you want to hangout
with me, join me for one of my yoga teacher trainings, my elevate your brand
master-class weekend, one of my seminars, or on my annual yoga & fitness
retreat. All details are available by signing up for my newsletter at
figurefitlife.com
DISCLAIMER
This is article is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Readers are advised to consult their own doctors or other qualified health professionals regarding the treatment of medical conditions. The author shall not be held liable or responsible for any misunderstanding or misuse of the information contained in this program manual or for any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by any treatment, action, or application of any food or food source discussed in this program manual. The statements in this program manual have not been evaluated by the US. Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
DISCLAIMER
This is article is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Readers are advised to consult their own doctors or other qualified health professionals regarding the treatment of medical conditions. The author shall not be held liable or responsible for any misunderstanding or misuse of the information contained in this program manual or for any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by any treatment, action, or application of any food or food source discussed in this program manual. The statements in this program manual have not been evaluated by the US. Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
