Visualise breath

There are many meditation types and practices out there but its really about finding a practice that works for you. Try and see meditation as a journey rather than an end point. The problem with a lot of people is that they try and meditate but with the wrong goal in mind. They try and aim to empty their mind, to have no thoughts, well if you had an empty mind or no thoughts, your probably dead!

Instead of trying to meditate with this goal in mind, instead try to meditate with the goal of simply noticing what’s there. noticing your breath, noticing your thoughts, noticing your body, noticing everything. It sounds simple but this can be tricky, the aim is not to get caught up in your thoughts or your feelings, just simply notice them, ask yourself what’s here. If you find tension can you release into the body a little bit, if you notice sadness, what does this feel like. With time and practice you will notice how the mind, sensations, thoughts, discomfort…..everything is fleeting. nothing lasts for a long time, everything is continually changing and this knowledge can be transformative.

You will start to see the workings of your mind, your habits, your negative behaviours and when you come to see and acknowledge all of this with kindness, acceptance and compassion, you can make better choices, you suffer less, you are free from your monkey mind. This obviously takes time and practice, even people who have been practicing meditation for years still find it hard sometimes to get in the ‘zone’. Below is a recording, why not have a listen and see if you think you can start practicing meditation, even just five - ten minutes per day can be transformative.