Meditation Tips - Starting or Improving Your Meditation Practice

Setting Aside Time to Meditate

It is best to meditate in the morning before talking, exercising or eating. If your morning routine includes a shower, do so before meditating. Choosing a set time to meditate will make your meditations more powerful, as your body and mind will learn to open and become more silent at that time.

Choosing a Place to Meditate

Meditate in a place where you feel comfortable, away from any noise and distractions. Because cats (and ants) like to hang around toxic earth lines, do not to meditate where they spend most of their time or where they sleep. If you have pets, make sure they are out of the room while you meditate.

Avoiding Scents & Music While Meditating

It is becoming more popular to burn incense or a candle during meditation. Scents, even if they are not strong, prevent you from deepening into the experience. Therefore, it is not advisable to be around strong scents, including cologne or perfume, while meditating.

Meditation is done in silence. Music or guided meditations are distracting and can take you out of the experience. If you have something you like listening to, save it until after you meditate.

Maintaining Proper Posture During Meditation

Posture is very important during meditation. Do not lean against a chair or wall. Ideally you should be sitting on the floor with your legs crossed. Tuck your chin in so your head aligns with your spine. Open the area around your heart. Tilt your pelvic and make sure your knees are below your hips. If your knees do not touch the ground, use pillows to prop them up. Any time your knees start to hurt, adjust your posture so you don't damage the ligaments. Rest your hands comfortably on your legs.

During Your Meditation

At no time while meditating should you use creative imagination, positive affirmations, hypnosis, autosuggestion, visualization or channeling. If images or lights come, great. But do not actively visualize anything into your consciousness.

Let thoughts come and let them go. Do not be hard on yourself if your mind chatters throughout your meditation. Some days are better than others. Keep pursuing your daily practice to experience higher parts of yourself.

Internalization of the Senses and Silencing of the Mind

Meditation is done with your eyes closed in stillness and silence. While you may hear people say that they meditate while gardening or surfing, what they are really doing is reflecting, which is different.

Keeping On With Your Practice

There are times when you won't feel like meditating. When you are too busy, tired or frustrated to continue. This is the point when you should keep on with your practice. Often times, resistance is a way to avoid feeling something deeper. Continuing with your morning meditation will bring tremendous growth, stability and inner silence.