Traveling Mats

Meditation 101

by Danielle Ribaudo

So you want to start at an at home meditation practice?

Yes, you are already aware of the many benefits of sitting with oneself, from stress reduction, to mental clarity, and even peace of mind. Yet, you still keep putting off getting started and giving your overall well being a little more balance. Here are a few suggestions to make the start of this practice seem less daunting and more feasible.

Be okay with starting small.

You can start with only three or five minutes, one or three times a week. As a beginner this can seem like a really long time. Easing in to this practice will allow you to start to get comfortable and naturally find yourself sitting for longer, more frequent period of time.

Wherever you go, there you are.

Know that you can sit down, close your eyes and start connecting with breath anywhere. You can put off washing the dishes or doing the laundry. You can sit in the middle of your messy room. Now I am not saying to start becoming a slob, and not taking care of your business! However, part of the practice of meditation is letting go of your surroundings no matter what the circumstance. Find peace amidst the chaos.

Make it ritual.

Set a designated time each day and create a sacred space you can go to. Whether you gather some plush pillows and create and altar, or set yourself up in your yard. Go to place where you feel comfortable and at ease.

Pick a focus.

Whether it is your breath or a positive affirmation have something to come back to when the mind wanders. And the mind will wander. That is part of the practice. Just take the time to notice your reactions and come back to your intention.

Most importantly be okay with where you are. Most of us will never fully clear the mind and reach enlightenment. The average person doesn’t take time out of their day or even their week to sit and just be. So the fact that you’ve thought it over, read all of this, and still want to give it a go?

You my friend, are off to a seriously good start.

Danielle Ribaudo

Danielle Ribaudo is fascinated by the connections between the physical and emotional bodies, inspired to move beyond boundaries and view our options as limitless. She firmly believes that our personal tragedies edge us closer to reaching our higher selves. A nature loving yoga instructor, a dog's best friend, a luster of wander, and a wine enthusiast, she knows that balance is key. More Posts From This Soul Sister