Introduction to Meditation
​​
Meditation has been used for thousands of years and has recently been receiving much needed attention in the press and evidence based research is expanding. It is generally agreed that when we meditate we improve our sense of wellbeing. I can definitely vouch for this. Meditation has been my 'go to' relaxation tool as well as allowing me to become more self aware in my daily life, which has had the knock on effect of improving my motivation, calmed my nervous system, improved my relationships, with myself and those close to me.
There are so many ways to meditate. It certainly doesn't look like this image (buddhist monk in cave beautifully lit by candlelight) for most of us. When meditating we don't have to sit in the perfect pose, cross legged, straight backed for hours, we can lay down, we can sit in a comfy chair, or we can walk.
​
​
Here we share a simple technique: ​Following the breath
Get comfortable and prepare to sit or lay down for a few minutes.
Once you have read this, all you need to do is focus on the natural rhythm of your breath.
Follow the breath in, and follow the breath out.
​
Where do you notice the breath coming in, maybe at the tip of your nose, or the back of your throat, do you notice a rise in your chest, or in your belly?
​
Where do you notice the exhale, what does that feel like?
​
If your mind has busied itself, as it will, gently bring the focus back to your breath. Now, continue this for a few minutes, each time you notice you have moved your attention away from the breath, just gently bring it back to the in breath, or the out breath.
​​
How was that? Did you notice your mind busy itself? Were you having thoughts of what should be happening, what shouldn't be happening? What you need to do next...or what you should have said or done, was your mind chewing over yesterdays work meeting, or how you spoke to someone, or what you will have for lunch?
​
None of this is right or wrong, this is simply what happens in our human brains, our minds are processing, that's their job.
​
What we do in meditation is we notice this busy-ness, these processes, the consistent practice of meditation helps us to slow it all down, to have choice over whether we engage with the thoughts, or not. We get to choose what our mind focuses on.
​
If you found that there was a lot of self judgment, or critical thinking- keep following at Be You Wellbeing- we will have an exploration into this coming soon.
​
We incorporate meditation practices throughout our 2 night wellbeing retreats to help you grow your meditation toolkit. Fancy joining us? You can book your space here.