A short while ago I had a conversation with someone who told me that she would really like to learn to meditate. When I asked what was stopping her from meditating, she replied that she just didn't have the time to take a class, read a book or watch a video on meditation.
But the great thing about meditation, is that you can get started RIGHT NOW. You don't need any special training, special equipment or special instruction. All you need to get started is your breath.
In his book Mindfulness Meditation Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn suggests being: "really mindful of the flow of your own breath in your own body. When? Right now. It's this breath, it's not three breaths ago. It's this one."
The key is to simply notice your breath. Don't try to change it. Don't think about it. Just notice it and (here's the hard part) keep your attention firmly on your breathing. Keep your head out of it. Don't let your mind wander off to other things, use your breath to try to quiet the incessant mental chatter with which we all constantly live. Simply notice your breath flow I-N and then notice your breath flow O-U-T.
This mindful breathing is a very simple way to center yourself in the present moment. You could choose to stare at the flame of a candle, or to focus on chanting, or drumming, but the breath is a very simple and easy way to begin to meditate.
As Kabat-Zinn says: "Nobody pays attention to the breath. But we are only one breath away from being out of this planet - out of this life."
ENJOY NOW!
