Putting meditation into practice is the process of learning how to be still within.  This increases your ability to remain alert so you can be sufficiently present in all activities.  Of course you still have your limitations, but within those limitations there is another dimension that gradually opens up.  Through the alertness of meditation, you start to peel away the layers of ignorance to come towards a better understanding of yourself.

Here are some ways you can incorporate meditation into your daily life.

FIRSTLY, WHAT IS MEDITATION?

Meditation is a practice that allows you to de-stress and relax both your mind and body.  There are different types of meditation, but two key elements common to most methods are focused concentration and attention to breathing (in particular, deep relaxed breathing).  Despite what people may think, meditation is a practice separate to Yoga and separate to religion.  Having said that, meditation can be a part of Yoga and many religions make reference to meditation, but essentially it’s about finding time to quiet all the thoughts in your mind.

MEDITATE WHEN YOU WAKE UP

Morning meditation is a great way to start off your morning.  It gives you a clarity of mind that can impact your entire day.  If you make it a ritual to incorporate ten to fifteen minutes of meditation right when you wake up in the morning, it will greatly improve the quality of your day.

MAKE IT A COMMITMENT

Even if you only choose to practise a few minutes per day, establish a routine and stick to it.  Usually, people fall out of the habit of practising when meditation is something on their to-do-list rather than something they have already carved time for in their daily routine.  Consistency is key.  A few minutes each day is much more effective than an hour once a week.  While finding time in an already busy schedule is incredibly hard to do, meditation does teach you to live within smaller amounts of time.  

PRACTISE ON THE GO

You can practise being mindful during the routine tasks of your daily life.  While you’re driving you can make it a meditative experience by listening to a calming playlist or a meditation app (hands-free and with eyes open) so you can learn to transmute the frustration and boredom of driving to work into gratitude, focus and peace.  Even when you’re stuck in traffic you can close your eyes for a moment and mentally chant ‘om’ until someone beeps at you to let you know to start moving again!  

A BREATHING EXERCISE TO USE ANYWHERE AND ANYTIME TO DE-STRESS

Whenever you notice yourself having distressing thoughts, stay aware of them for a moment, then as you consciously let them float away, gently redirect your full attention back to your breathing.  Pay attention to each breath in and out as they flow effortlessly one after the other.  This will ground you in the present and help to move you into a state of awareness and stillness.