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Meditation is often part of yoga classes and can be a part of your daily routine.  Meditation is the intentional practice of managing a state of focus for the goal of self-improvement. Traditional seated meditation is not just emptying the mind and thinking of nothing.  It is more about noticing that you are thinking and returning to your focus.  Choose one thing to think about and focus your attention there for a time, two or three minutes to start.  

 

The benefits of a regular meditation practice include:

• Reduces heart rate and blood pressure

• Reduces stress hormones

• Reduces pain and inflammation

• Reduces depression and anxiety

• Improves immune system function

• Improves focus and memory 

• Improves a sense of peaceful calm

• Improves the feeling of connectedness

• Improves sleep

 

It is helpful to think of the element that you are focusing on as your anchor.  Other meditations could focus on an image or activity, like hiking a trail or kayaking down the river. The key is to physically relax the body and be comfortable, continue to breathe naturally and keep your focus on your anchor- the image, the activity or the breath itself.

 

It’s ok if your mind wanders, just take note of it, without judgement that it is good or bad, then return your focus back to your breath.  Maintain this meditation practice for two to three minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods. Remember, it is called a practice.  You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to keep trying.