Don't Equivocate – Meditate

Nov 6, 2011 | Health, Wisdom, Yoga practices | 1 comment

- Don't Equivocate - Meditate

Yesterday Today Tomorrow


I’m sure you’ve heard the expression: Don’t just do something, sit there! It’s an obvious way of exhorting us to meditate – meditation being one of the most highly recommended methods of de-stressing.
Maybe like me, you’re not so great at sitting yourself down to meditate. It does take an effort of will, but I’ve managed to cajole myself into it by meditating after my yoga practice and pranayama, when the body/mind is quietest.
Some people, though, prefer doing meditation first thing in the morning, as early as possible, before the mind is disturbed by activity. On the other hand, meditating before going to bed, even for a  short time, can help foster a good night’s sleep.
To make meditating more enjoyable, create a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing space, a place where you feel peaceful just by going there. Have a cushion that you only use for meditation, sit comfortably upright on it, and simply focus on your natural breath.
As it happens, you get periodically distracted from the observation of your breath, but don’t let that stress you. You keep returning to the breath focus each time because having your mind go off on a tangent is part of the meditation.
The Buddhists who do a type of meditation called “Zazen” say they are just sitting. They’ve reduced the practice to the simplest of activities.
When we’re motionless, quiet, and empty of ambition, then we don’t have to seek out peace of mind; it just comes to us.

1 Comment

  1. Wow Eve…. I’m impressed by your late night blogging… and Sunday night at that! I have been following your blog for a few months now and am amazed at how timely the topics are with whats happening in my life! I love the practical nature of your writing, the thoughtful brevity and the many articles or sites embedded in them. Like meditation I look forward to it as a still spot and point of contemplation through the week and find it more meaningful and personal than Yoga Journal, Kripalu and the other sites I’ve subscribed to in the past! Thank you. You inspire me!

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