How To Meditate When It’s Been A While?

Rediscovering Your Inner Zen: A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation

So, picture this: you’re trying to get back on the meditation bandwagon after what feels like eons. Whether life’s hustle and bustle knocked you off course, or maybe you just fell out of the habit, fret not! It’s like riding a bike, albeit a very serene one, floating through a tranquil sea of mindfulness.

Embarking on the Journey: Where to Start?

Set a Date with Yourself

First things first, earmark a time slot for your meditative rendezvous. Yup, consider it a non-negotiable appointment with your inner self. Early morning or just before hitting the sack are prime times, mainly because the world hasn’t yet spun into chaos or is starting to wind down. Whichever floats your boat, stick to it like glue.

Crafting the Zen Den

Setting the stage is crucial. Find a nook that’s as quiet as a mouse, where you won’t be interrupted. A little dash of ambiance – think soft lighting or a candle, maybe even a hint of incense – can turn an ordinary space into your personal oasis of calm.

Dressing the Part

Comfort is key. No need to don the latest athleisure trends, but instead, opt for clothing that doesn’t pinch, pull, or restrict. If you could nap in it, you’re golden.

Tech Detox

In today’s always-on world, this part might sting a bit. Turn off your gadgets or, at the very least, shove them in another room. The world can wait for 10-15 minutes, and so can your Instagram feed.

Rediscovering the Art of Meditation

Baby Steps

Start small. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a meditation practice. Aim for 5-10 minutes initially. Setting a timer with a soft, non-jarring tone can help keep track without constantly peeking at the clock.

Getting Into the Groove

Plop down on a cushion or chair, making sure your back’s straight but not rigid. Think dignified slouch. Now, the real deal – close your eyes gently, taking deep breaths to help usher in a sense of calm. This isn’t the time to mull over your grocery list or that email you forgot to send. If those thoughts intrude, acknowledge them, then send them packing.

Focus, Focus, Focus!

Here’s where it gets interesting. Pick a focal point – it could be your breath, a mantra, or even the sensations in your body. Each time your mind meanders, guide it back gently, without a smidge of judgment. It’s all part of the process.

Wrap It Up With Gratitude

Once your timer chimes, take a moment to slowly bring awareness back to your surroundings. Reflect on the experience with a lens of gratitude – for the time you’ve devoted, the peace you’ve cultivated, and the patience you’ve shown with yourself.

Meditation, at its core, is a journey rather than a destination. It’s about establishing a connection with oneself, beneath the layers of daily stresses and incessant thoughts. Getting back into it might feel like relearning a forgotten language, but the beauty lies in rediscovery. Each session is a step closer to mastering the art of inner peace, and before you know it, you’ll be meditating like it’s second nature. Practice, patience, and persistence – your zen awaits.