Meditation tips

Sit with your hands resting lightly in your lap.

Close your eyes and relax.

Take deep breaths in and out through your nose.

Try to focus on your breathing. Count each breath as you exhale. Count to ten. Repeat several times until relaxation sets in.

Clear your mind of everything and think only of counting each breath as you exhale.

Acknowledge any other thoughts that enter your mind, and then gently

let them go and concentrate once again on your breathing.

At the end of the meditation gently stretch and become aware of your

body before standing up

 

 

Another form of meditation is guided imagery. Guided imagery is combination of meditation, relaxation, and hypnosis. Using this technique you will follow a guided meditation to visualize a state of relaxation.

It is best practiced in a quiet room where you won't be disturbed. You will need a tape or CD player. The lighting in the room should be dim and soft.

Typically the visualization will begin with some simple relaxation exercises that include deep breathing. When your body and mind are relaxed your imagination will come into play.

Some common imagery includes walking along the beach, being the mountains, or walking through the forest. The guided imagery uses your imagination to induce peacefulness and relaxation. You will be guided through

the meditation from beginning to end, at which time you should feel calm and

serene.

There are many imagery tapes on the market for you to choose from. You can also make your own tapes.

The above techniques for meditation will help your mind and body to

relax. Your goal is to be as rested as possible as you prepare to sleep. There

are many other methods of meditation available. You may have to research

and experiment and find what works best for you.